FCC Fines Dish Network $150,000 for Violating Orbital Debris Rules

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued its first fine for violating anti-space debris rules to Dish Network.
Dish was fined $150,000 for failing to properly de-orbit its EchoStar-7 satellite, which has been in orbit for over 20 years.
Dish sent the satellite into a disposal orbit that was too low, posing a risk for orbital debris.
The FCC says addressing space debris is important for enabling new satellite operations and space economy growth.
In 2022 the FCC adopted a rule requiring satellite operators to dispose of satellites within 5 years after mission completion.

theguardian.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

Dish Network Fined $150,000 by FCC for Failure to Properly Dispose of Aging Satellite

The US government has issued its first-ever penalty against a company for failing to bring an aging satellite to a safe orbit, with Dish Network agreeing to pay a $150,000 fine in a settlement with the Federal Communications Commission.