NASA Announces the World's First-Ever Space Debris Fine
Recently, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has made history by issuing the first ever fine for space debris. This is an important step towards preserving the safety of our space environment and our ability to explore and utilize the vast opportunities of space.
The fine was issued to a satellite operator for the failure to comply with the ITU’s Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines, which are designed to protect our space environment. The operator was fined US$500,000 for launching a satellite without the necessary debris mitigation measures in place.
The fine is a reminder that space debris is a serious issue that needs to be taken seriously by all space actors. The ITU’s Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines are designed to ensure that operators are taking steps to reduce the risk of space debris and to ensure the safety of our space environment. With the first ever fine for space debris, the ITU has sent a strong message that space debris mitigation measures are an important part of our shared responsibility to protect our space environment.
source: Phys.org