ORBITS Act of 2025

Key Points

• The bill creates a NASA demonstration program to test technologies for actively removing space junk from orbit. NASA would work with private companies, universities, and nonprofits to develop and demonstrate debris removal capabilities.
• The Department of Commerce must publish a public list of dangerous orbital debris within 90 days of enactment, including details like size, location, and risk level, to guide cleanup priorities.
• The bill authorizes $150 million over fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to fund the debris removal demonstration program. Any unspent money would be taken back by the end of 2030.
• The National Space Council must begin updating the Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices within 90 days, covering collision risk, explosion risk, post-mission disposal, and spacecraft tracking requirements. These updated rules would apply to satellite companies and constellation operators.
• The bill calls on the U.S. to lead international cooperation on space debris, encouraging other spacefaring nations to clean up their own junk and adopt common safety standards for future missions.