FCC Fines Dish Network $150,000 for Unsafe Satellite Disposal, Highlighting Growing Space Junk Concerns

Dish Network fined $150,000 by FCC for failing to properly dispose of old satellite
Satellite left in orbit lower than agreed, posing risk for collisions with other satellites
First ever fine issued for space debris, shows FCC enforcing rules on disposal
Dish admitted liability and agreed to compliance plan and penalty
Over 1 million pieces of debris bigger than 1cm in Earth's orbit can disable spacecraft
Space waste already causing problems like near collisions and damage to space station
FCC enforcing rules as satellite operations increase to ensure safe space environment

euronews.com

Relevant topic timeline:

10/2/2023

FCC Fines Dish Network $150,000 for Improper Satellite Disposal

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has reached a settlement with Dish Network for failing to properly dispose of a satellite, marking the FCC's first penalty related to space debris.

10/3/2023

FCC Fines Dish Network $150,000 for Failure to Properly Remove Old Satellite from Active Orbit

The US government has fined Dish Network $150,000 for not moving an old satellite far enough away from others in use, highlighting the problem of space junk and the risk of collisions in orbit.