Who Regulates Space?

With the rapid uptick in commercial satellite launches, space debris—pieces of junk hurtling through low Earth orbit that regularly threaten working satellites and space stations—is increasing. Earlier this year, a bill introduced in the US House of Representatives proposed that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) revise how commercial space operators apply for licenses and would require the FCC to set objectives for the design and operation of satellites to minimize space debris.

Marilyn H. and Asha Balakrishnan write that the FCC has long played a key role in commercial space activities because satellites use the radio spectrum that the FCC oversees. Licensing applications, Harbert and Balakrishnan note, already require that “commercial satellite operators specify orbital debris mitigation efforts, including plans for disposal of a spacecraft when its mission is over.”

In July, Representative Frank Lucas, chair of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, opposed the “well-intentioned” House bill as an overreach of the FCC’s authorization: “This would be equivalent to allowing the FCC to regulate the design and operations of tractor-trailers simply because the driver uses a CB system that uses FCC-controlled spectrum.” The bill ultimately failed to pass the House.

But the question remains: Who should regulate space activities?

Read more about the importance of clarifying which federal agencies should oversee commercial space activities.