Plain Language Summary
# SAFE Orbit Act Summary **What It Does:** The SAFE Orbit Act would create a new system to track objects in space and help prevent collisions between satellites, spacecraft, and debris. Currently, the government's Office of Space Commerce—which handles space traffic management—is tucked within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This bill would elevate it to its own independent bureau within the Department of Commerce, giving it more authority and resources.
The new bureau would collect and share tracking data, orbit information, and collision warnings with space operators (companies and organizations that launch and operate satellites). **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects commercial space companies, satellite operators, and government space agencies that need to coordinate activities in orbit. It also affects the Department of Commerce and NOAA, as it would restructure existing offices. Ultimately, anyone who uses satellite services—from GPS to weather forecasting to internet—could benefit from safer space operations. **Key Provision:** The main provision elevates space traffic coordination to a higher priority by giving it dedicated leadership and resources as a standalone bureau rather than a sub-office, allowing it to collect and share the data and analytics needed to avoid collisions in an increasingly crowded orbital environment. **Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Situational Awareness of Flying Elements in Orbit Act or the SAFE Orbit ActThis bill provides statutory authority for the Traffic Coordination System for Space, which is being developed by the Office of Space Commerce to provide space situational awareness data and services to space operators. (Space situational awareness means an understanding of the space operational environment and the identification, tracking, and prediction of the behavior of space objects and debris.)As an initial matter, the bill provides for the elevation of the Office of Space Commerce to a standalone bureau within the Department of Commerce. (The office currently sits within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.)The bill authorizes the bureau to acquire location tracking data, positional and orbit determination information, conjunction data messages, and other data, analytics, information, and services deemed necessary to avoid collisions in space. The bureau must disseminate this information at no charge (1) through a public database of space situational awareness information and services, including space traffic coordination; and (2) through the provision of basic situational awareness services to satellite operators. The bill also sets forth certain requirements for the collection and dissemination of such information, including that, to the extent practicable, the provision of service to satellite operators may not compete with private situational awareness products.Finally, the bill provides immunity for the United States government from any suit for a cause of action arising from the provision or receipt of space situational awareness services or information.
Latest Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 170.