FCC Fines Dish Network $150,000 for Satellite Disposal Violation, A First

The FCC issued a $150,000 fine against Dish Network for failing to properly dispose of a satellite, marking the first penalty of its kind.
The satellite, EchoStar-7, was launched in 2002 and Dish did not leave enough fuel to move it to a graveyard orbit as required.
Space debris poses risks of collisions with active satellites and exacerbates the debris problem. The FCC is cracking down to ensure compliance.
Geostationary orbit where EchoStar-7 was located has expensive telecom satellites, though lower than the most congested low Earth orbit.
Dish admitted liability but said the satellite was exempted from disposal rules and poses no debris threat. The FCC made no claim about debris risks.

The FCC issued a $150,000 fine against Dish Network for failing to properly dispose of a satellite, marking the first penalty of its kind.
The satellite, EchoStar-7, was launched in 2002 and Dish did not leave enough fuel to move it to a graveyard orbit as required.
Space debris poses risks of collisions with active satellites and exacerbates the debris problem. The FCC is cracking down to ensure compliance.
Geostationary orbit where EchoStar-7 was located has expensive telecom satellites, though lower than the most congested low Earth orbit.
Dish admitted liability but said the satellite was exempted from disposal rules and poses no debris threat. The FCC made no claim about debris risks.