FCC fines Dish Network for botched satellite de-orbit

TAMPA, Fla. — The Federal Communications Commission has fined Dish Network $150,000 for failing to properly remove a satellite from geostationary orbit, the U.S. regulator said Oct. 2 in a first for its space debris enforcement action.

The settlement includes an admission of liability from Dish for leaving EchoStar-7 at 122 kilometers above its operational geostationary arc, less than halfway to where the satellite broadcaster had agreed. 

EchoStar-7 could pose orbital debris concerns at this lower altitude, the FCC warned.

The regulator said it approved a plan from Dish in 2012 to move the satellite at the end of its mission 300 kilometers above geostationary orbit, which is about 35,786 kilometers above the Earth.

Dish had estimated it would need to start moving the satellite in May 2022 to ensure it had enough fuel for the trip after two decades in orbit — but just three months ahead of the planned move the company found insufficient propellant remaining.

Dish did not respond to requests for comment.

“This is a breakthrough settlement,” FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan Egal said in a statement, “making very clear the FCC has strong enforcement authority and capability to enforce its vitally important space debris rules.”

Dish agreed to implement a raft of orbital debris safety measures in addition to the penalty, including developing and improving ways to track propellant reserves, providing more details about how and when it will dispose of each operational satellite, and training to ensure employees comply with space rules and operating procedures.

The company also has 30 days to pick a senior corporate manager to serve as compliance officer to oversee these efforts.

There are seven operational satellites in Dish’s fleet, and one recently ordered from Maxar Technologies for a launch in the next few years.