How to Avoid FCC Fees for Space Debris and Help Save Low Earth Orbit

Precision Fluid Control for a Cleaner, Safer Orbit

As the satellite industry accelerates, so does the urgency to address space debris. With the FCC’s updated orbital debris mitigation rules now in effect, satellite operators face new compliance challenges and potentially costly consequences for failing to comply.

At The Lee Company, we understand that mission success doesn’t end at launch. Our miniature, high-reliability fluid control components are engineered to support sustainable satellite design, helping customers meet regulatory requirements while optimizing performance in space’s most demanding environments.

FCC’s 5-Year Deorbit Rule

In late 2022, the FCC introduced a pivotal change: satellites operating in or passing through Low Earth Orbit (LEO) must now deorbit within five years of mission completion, down from the previous 25-year guideline. This rule is part of a broader push to reduce collision risks and preserve orbital access for future missions.

To comply, satellite operators must submit a detailed Orbital Debris Mitigation (ODM) Plan, including:

• Collision risk assessments
• Post-mission disposal strategies
• Probability of accidental explosions
• Maneuverability and tracking capabilities

EUROPE’S APPROACH TO SPACE DEBRIS MITIGATION

While the FCC’s updated 5-year deorbit rule sets a new standard in the United States, Europe is also taking decisive action to safeguard Low Earth Orbit.

The European Space Agency (ESA) and national space agencies like the French CNES and Germany’s DLR are leading efforts to define and enforce space sustainability guidelines. While not regulatory bodies like the FCC, these agencies heavily influence policy across EU member states and collaborate closely with the United Nations’ Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).

Key developments in Europe include:

• ESA’s Zero Debris Charter (2023): A voluntary pledge for ESA missions to leave no long-term debris in orbit by 2030. Over 40 organizations have joined.

• CNES Space Operations Act (2010): France’s law requires satellites to deorbit within 25 years and submit debris mitigation plans.

• EU Space Law Framework (TBD): An upcoming EU law may establish binding orbital debris rules and enforcement across member states.

• ClearSpace-1 Mission (Planned for 2026): ESA’s first debris removal mission will capture and deorbit a defunct object in LEO.

Why It Matters

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is a finite and increasingly fragile environment. With over 14,200 satellites, 11,700 of which are still operational, and 40,000 space objects regularly tracked by Space Surveillance Networks already in orbit, the risk of collisions is no longer hypothetical, it’s a daily operational concern.

And that’s just what we can track. Based on statistical models, the estimated number of space debris objects in orbit includes:

• 54,000 objects larger than 10 cm (including ~9,300 active payloads)

• 1.2 million objects between 1–10 cm

• 140 million objects between 1 mm–1 cm

The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever

• Collision Risk: A single impact can generate thousands of debris fragments, each capable of disabling or destroying other spacecraft. This cascading effect, known as Kessler Syndrome, could make entire orbital regions unusable for decades.
• Mission Delays and Denials: Regulatory non-compliance can lead to denied launch licenses, delayed approvals, or even forced deorbiting. This jeopardizes timelines and investor confidence.
• Rising Insurance Costs: As orbital congestion increases, so do insurance premiums. Demonstrating a robust debris mitigation strategy can reduce risk profiles and lower costs.
• Global Scrutiny: Governments, investors, and the public are demanding greater accountability from space operators. Sustainability is no longer optional, it’s a competitive differentiator.

A Shared Responsibility

By designing for compliance and sustainability, satellite manufacturers and operators are not just avoiding FCC fines, they’re helping to:

• Preserve orbital access for future generations
• Protect critical infrastructure like GPS, weather monitoring, and communications
• Build trust with regulators, partners, and the public

How The Lee Company Helps You Stay Compliant

Our precision fluid control components are trusted by space leaders for their unmatched reliability, compact size, and proven performance in space. Here’s how we support your compliance strategy:

• Controlled Deorbiting: Our space-qualified solenoid valves and flow restrictors enable precise propulsion and pressurization, critical for executing controlled reentry maneuvers.
• Collision Avoidance: Responsive fluidic systems support real-time attitude control and maneuvering, helping satellites avoid debris and meet FCC risk thresholds.
• Lightweight, Compact Design: Our miniature components reduce mass and volume, freeing up space for additional compliance systems or payload.
• Proven Heritage: With decades of flight heritage across NASA, commercial, and defense missions, our components are built for the rigors of LEO and beyond.

Let’s Build a Safer Orbit

Whether you’re launching a single satellite or a full constellation, The Lee Company is your partner in precision. Let’s talk about how our components can help you meet FCC requirements and protect the future of spaceflight.