Space Debris Liability Act
The Space Debris Liability Act establishes state-level liability standards for commercial space operators, requiring financial accountability for space debris, launch failures, and environmental damage caused by satellite operations and rocket launches. It introduces strict liability provisions, environmental impact regulations, and a state-managed fund for debris mitigation and cleanup. The Act ensures responsible spaceflight practices, safeguards residents and businesses from the consequences of satellite congestion, and promotes sustainable aerospace development.
Key Provisions
Space Debris Liability. Operators must mitigate debris from failed satellites, cover cleanup costs for reentry damage, and comply with disposal regulations.
Rocket Launch Liability & Environment. Launch providers face fines for failures, must conduct environmental assessments, and adhere to fuel regulations.
Space Debris Mitigation Fund. Establishes a fund for debris tracking, removal, research, and damage compensation, funded by fines, fees, and grants.
Enforcement & Penalties. State agencies oversee compliance, with penalties up to $2M, license suspensions, and legal recourse for affected parties.
Transparency & Reporting. Requires annual reports on space activity, environmental impacts, and public input for new space infrastructure.
Model Language
Section 1. Short Title. This Act may be cited as the “Space Debris Liability Act.”
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this Act is to:
Hold commercial space operators accountable for space debris generated by satellite failures and rocket launches.
Ensure environmental protection against pollution from spaceflight activities within state airspace and territorial jurisdiction.
Create a state-managed fund for space debris mitigation, cleanup, and enforcement.
Safeguard state residents, businesses, and natural resources from the negative effects of increasing satellite congestion and launch-related environmental damage.
Section 3. Definitions. For purposes of this Act:
“Space Operator” refers to any private or public entity launching, operating, or maintaining satellites, spacecraft, or rockets within the state’s airspace or territorial jurisdiction.
“Rocket Launch Provider” refers to any company, organization, or government entity that conducts space launches from facilities within the state.
“Space Debris” includes any non-functional, abandoned, or discarded objects in Earth’s orbit, reentering the atmosphere, or impacting the Earth due to space activities.
“Launch Failure” means any event in which a rocket or spacecraft experiences an anomaly resulting in unintended debris, explosion, or off-course reentry.
“Environmental Damage” refers to air, water, or soil contamination caused by launch exhaust, fuel spills, satellite debris, or unplanned landings.
Section 4. Space Debris Mitigation Liability
(a) Liability for Satellite Failures. Any space operator with a satellite that becomes non-functional within five years of launch is financially responsible for:
(1) Debris mitigation costs, including collision avoidance and de-orbiting procedures.
(2) Fines of up to $500,000 per incident for failing to properly dispose of space assets.
(b) Liability for Debris Reentry. Any space operator whose satellite or space object reenters Earth’s atmosphere and causes property damage or environmental harm shall be held strictly liable for:
(1) Cleanup and removal costs.
(2) Compensation to affected residents, businesses, or municipalities.
(3) Additional state-imposed penalties based on impact severity.
(c) Mitigation Requirements for Active Satellites. Any satellite licensed to operate within state airspace must:
(1) Have an approved end-of-life disposal plan.
(2) Carry sufficient propellant or deploy de-orbiting technology for controlled reentry.
(3) Demonstrate compliance with state and federal space debris guidelines.
Section 5. Rocket Launch Liability & Regulations
(a) Liability for Launch Failures. Any rocket launch provider operating within the state is liable for:
(1) Fines of up to $1,000,000 per failed launch resulting in atmospheric pollution, ground contamination, or uncontrolled debris.
(2) Damage compensation to affected businesses, communities, and environmental areas.
(3) Mandatory reporting and investigation requirements for failed launches.
(b) Environmental Impact Requirements. Any rocket launch provider must:
(1) Conduct environmental impact assessments (EIA) before each launch.
(2) Provide financial security deposits covering cleanup costs in case of failure.
(3) Monitor and disclose the environmental impact of rocket fuel emissions and debris.
(c) Regulation of Rocket Fuel Use. Any launch using highly toxic or hazardous fuels (e.g., hydrazine, solid rocket propellants) must:
(1) Publicly disclose environmental risks.
(2) Utilize mitigation measures to reduce atmospheric pollution.
(3) Pay an environmental impact fee to the state.
Section 6. Space Debris Mitigation Fund
(a) Establishment of Fund. A State Space Debris Mitigation Fund is created to finance:
(1) Debris tracking and removal efforts.
(2) Research into environmentally sustainable spaceflight technologies.
(3) Compensation for damages caused by space debris and launch failures.
(b) Funding Sources. The Fund shall be financed by:
(1) Fines and penalties collected under this Act.
(2) Mandatory impact fees paid by space operators and rocket launch providers.
(3) Grants or appropriations from federal and state sources.
Section 7. Enforcement & Penalties
(a) State Regulatory Authority. The State Department of Environmental Protection and Aerospace Regulation shall oversee compliance and enforcement.
(b) Civil Penalties
Space operators and launch providers failing to comply with this Act shall be subject to:
Fines of up to $2,000,000 per major violation.
License suspension or denial of future launch operations.
Mandatory cleanup requirements for environmental contamination.
(c) Legal Recourse for Residents
State residents, businesses, and municipalities affected by space debris or launch failures may file lawsuits for damages under this Act.
Section 8. Transparency & Public Reporting
(a) Annual Report on Space Activities. The State Department of Aerospace Regulation shall:
Publish an annual public report on the number of launches, failures, debris incidents, and environmental impacts.
Maintain a public database tracking commercial space operators’ compliance with mitigation regulations.
(b) Community Consultation Requirements. Any new launch facility or major expansion of existing space infrastructure must include community impact hearings and approval processes.
Section 9. Effective Date & Sunset Review. This Act shall take effect immediately upon passage. A five-year review will assess its effectiveness and consider necessary amendments.