S. 1898 · On the floor · Science, Technology, Communications

ORBITS Act of 2025

Sponsor: John W. Hickenlooper (D-CO)

What it does

• Requires the Department of Commerce to maintain a list of orbital debris eligible for remediation.
• Directs NASA to establish a competitive demonstration project funding research and development for debris remediation technology.
• Authorizes NASA to contract with a private entity to conduct an on-orbit debris remediation demonstration mission.
• Requires the National Space Council to update U.S. Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices, considering satellite constellations and post-mission disposal.

Official summary

Orbital Sustainability Act of 2025 or the ORBITS Act of 2025 This bill requires specified agencies to support research and develop guidance on the remediation of orbital debris (human-made space objects that are no longer in use and can harm active satellites and space activities). Under the bill, the Department of Commerce must maintain a list of orbital debris that may be remediated to improve safety and sustainability in space. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) must establish a demonstration project to make competitive awards for research and development leading to the remediation of listed debris. NASA must ultimately select and partner with an entity to carry out a demonstration mission using technology capable of on-orbit remediation. After the first demonstration mission, NASA must report to Congress with recommendations to improve orbital debris remediation. The bill also authorizes NASA and other relevant agencies to contract for orbital debris remediation services. Separately, the National Space Council, in coordination with specified agencies, must update the existing U.S. Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices. This update must…

Latest action

Jun 18, 2026: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 440.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation