Amazon Wants FCC to Drop Five-Year Rule on De-Orbiting Satellites

In 2022, the FCC instituted the requirement for satellites operating in low-Earth orbit (LEO) to deorbit their satellite within 5 years of completing their mission. However, Amazon has spoken out against this rule, stating that they want to see the rule scrapped in light of Project Kuiper.

More specifically, Amazon met with the FCC Space Bureau Chief Jay Schwarz, according to a letter dated September 12, where they discussed reforms to the rule "that better accommodates the realities of space operations while maintaining robust safety standards." They believe it imposes an artificial and rigid timeline that does not clearly and meaningfully increase space safety, and that a satellite failure that violates the rule is "not entirely within the operators control."

We disagree. The 5 year rule is necessary to ensuring a safe and sustainable space environment. Our goal as the Space Debris Foundation is to advocate for rules like this and to push for a Zero Debris approach, especially with the rapid congestion of protected orbital regions.

We want to make this clear. Amazon's proposal reduces accountability for them and other operators. Operators need to make end-of-life plans before launching, and incorporate that within their budget. Amazon attempting to add this loophole of "under nominal conditions" for disposal within 5 years allows for operators to hide behind external factors. This is unacceptable and not supported by our organization.