Legis Daily

ORBITS Act of 2025

USA119th CongressS-1898| Senate 
| Updated: 2/12/2026
John W. Hickenlooper

John W. Hickenlooper

Democratic Senator

Colorado

Cosponsors (3)
Cynthia M. Lummis (Republican)Roger F. Wicker (Republican)Maria Cantwell (Democratic)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The Orbital Sustainability Act of 2025, or ORBITS Act, addresses the growing threat of orbital debris to space operations. It establishes a framework for the United States Government to lead efforts in minimizing and remediating space junk, recognizing the critical reliance of exploration, research, and commercial space services on a safe orbital environment. A key provision requires the Secretary of Commerce to publish a list of prioritized orbital debris for remediation, utilizing data from various sources. Subsequently, the NASA Administrator will establish a **demonstration project** to award competitive grants for the research, development, and on-orbit demonstration of technologies for **active debris remediation**. This project aims to enable eligible entities, including commercial companies and universities, to pursue phased development of these crucial technologies, with an authorized appropriation of $150,000,000 for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The bill also mandates the National Space Council to update the **Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices**, considering planned space systems and addressing risks like collision and explosion. These updated practices will inform Federal regulations and promote international cooperation. Furthermore, the Secretary of Commerce will facilitate the development of **standard practices for space traffic coordination** to enhance the safety and sustainability of on-orbit operations.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-4814
ORBITS Act of 2022

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-447
ORBITS Act of 2023
May 22, 2025
Introduced in Senate
May 22, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Feb 12, 2026
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-4814
    ORBITS Act of 2022


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-447
    ORBITS Act of 2023


  • May 22, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 22, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


  • February 12, 2026
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

Science, Technology, Communications

ORBITS Act of 2025

USA119th CongressS-1898| Senate 
| Updated: 2/12/2026
The Orbital Sustainability Act of 2025, or ORBITS Act, addresses the growing threat of orbital debris to space operations. It establishes a framework for the United States Government to lead efforts in minimizing and remediating space junk, recognizing the critical reliance of exploration, research, and commercial space services on a safe orbital environment. A key provision requires the Secretary of Commerce to publish a list of prioritized orbital debris for remediation, utilizing data from various sources. Subsequently, the NASA Administrator will establish a **demonstration project** to award competitive grants for the research, development, and on-orbit demonstration of technologies for **active debris remediation**. This project aims to enable eligible entities, including commercial companies and universities, to pursue phased development of these crucial technologies, with an authorized appropriation of $150,000,000 for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The bill also mandates the National Space Council to update the **Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices**, considering planned space systems and addressing risks like collision and explosion. These updated practices will inform Federal regulations and promote international cooperation. Furthermore, the Secretary of Commerce will facilitate the development of **standard practices for space traffic coordination** to enhance the safety and sustainability of on-orbit operations.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-4814
ORBITS Act of 2022

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-447
ORBITS Act of 2023
May 22, 2025
Introduced in Senate
May 22, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Feb 12, 2026
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-4814
    ORBITS Act of 2022


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-447
    ORBITS Act of 2023


  • May 22, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 22, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


  • February 12, 2026
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
John W. Hickenlooper

John W. Hickenlooper

Democratic Senator

Colorado

Cosponsors (3)
Cynthia M. Lummis (Republican)Roger F. Wicker (Republican)Maria Cantwell (Democratic)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Science, Technology, Communications

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted