ORBITS Act of 2025 (S. 1898)

Summary

Starts a project to test ways to remove dangerous junk from space and creates new, updated rules to keep space safe for future missions.

What problem does this solve?

The area around Earth is filled with old satellites and rocket parts, known as space junk, which can crash into and destroy important equipment. This bill creates a program to test new technologies for cleaning up this junk and updates safety rules to prevent more from being created.

What does this bill do?

Creates a public list of space junk

Requires the government to publish a list of specific pieces of space junk that are the most important to clean up. This list will help guide removal efforts.

Starts a program to test junk removal technology

Directs NASA to create a demonstration program that gives awards to companies and schools to research and test new ways to remove space junk.

Authorizes $150 million for the program

Provides $150,000,000 for NASA to spend between fiscal years 2026 and 2030 on the space junk removal demonstration program.

Updates U.S. space safety rules

Requires the National Space Council to update the official government rules for preventing the creation of new space junk. These rules will guide all U.S. space activities.

Encourages buying junk removal services

Allows government agencies like NASA to buy space junk removal services from private companies, helping to create a commercial market for this work.

Develops rules for space traffic

Directs the Secretary of Commerce to work with industry to develop standard practices for coordinating traffic in space to avoid collisions.

Who does this affect?

Commercial space companies
U.S. government agencies (NASA, Department of Defense, Department of Commerce)
Aerospace researchers and universities

What is the real world impact?

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Promotes a new commercial space industry

Funds the development of technology for cleaning up space debris. This could create a new market for American companies to sell these services to other countries and private businesses, making the U.S. a leader in this field.

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Protects expensive government and private assets

Protects billions of dollars worth of satellites used for communication, weather forecasting, and national security. A collision with even a small piece of junk could destroy a satellite, so cleaning up orbit is a form of asset protection.

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Sets international standards for space

Requires the U.S. to update its own rules for space safety and then push for other countries to adopt them. This helps the U.S. lead the global conversation on how to responsibly use space, which can be a strategic advantage.

When does this start?

This bill sets several deadlines for different actions that begin after it becomes law.

Space junk list published

Within 90 days of the bill becoming law, the Secretary of Commerce must publish a list of orbital debris that should be prioritized for removal.

Update to safety rules begins

Within 90 days, the National Space Council must start the process of updating the Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices.

Debris removal program established

Within 180 days, NASA must establish the demonstration program to develop and test technologies for cleaning up space junk.

Updated safety rules published

Within one year, the updated space safety rules must be published in the Federal Register for the public to see.

Funding period for program

Authorizes $150 million for the program for the period covering fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

Periodic review of safety rules

The official space debris safety rules must be reviewed and, if needed, updated at least once every five years.