ORBITS Act of 2025

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.