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Bill

S 428

SAFE Orbit Act

119th Congress Introduced by Marsha Blackburn and 6 co-sponsors

The SAFE Orbit Act boosts space safety by enhancing data sharing, improving satellite tracking, and ensuring public access to vital space traffic information.

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with amendments. With written report No. 119-65.
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Bill Summary · S 428

Summary of the SAFE Orbit Act (S. 428)

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: S. 428
  • Title: Situational Awareness of Flying Elements in Orbit Act (SAFE Orbit Act)
  • Status: Reported by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation with amendments (Report No. 119-65).
  • Introduced: February 5, 2025
  • Primary Sponsor: Senator John Cornyn
  • Cosponsors: Senators Mark Kelly, Roger F. Wicker, Eric S. Schmitt, John W. Hickenlooper, Gary Peters, Marsha Blackburn

Purpose of the Bill

The SAFE Orbit Act aims to enhance space situational awareness (SSA) and space traffic coordination (STC). It seeks to modify the functions and leadership of the Office of Space Commerce (OSC) to better manage the increasing number of satellites and orbital debris, ensuring the safety of in-space operations.

Key Provisions

  1. Enhanced Responsibilities for the Secretary of Commerce:

    • Acquire and disseminate unclassified data and analytics on space activities to prevent collisions.
    • Provide free basic SSA services to the public, including analytics and conjunction warnings.

  2. Transition of Office of Space Commerce:

    • The OSC will be elevated to a Bureau of Space Commerce, reporting directly to the Secretary of Commerce within five years.
    • A transition plan must be submitted to Congress within one year.

  3. Public Access to Data:

    • Establish a publicly accessible, unclassified database of space objects and their behaviors, updated regularly.
    • Maintain a public catalog of SSA data to maximize the use of both government and commercial data.

  4. Immunity from Lawsuits:

    • The U.S. Government and authorized entities will have immunity from lawsuits related to the provision or receipt of SSA services.

  5. Collaboration with Industry:

    • The bill encourages the use of commercial capabilities and prioritizes data acquisition from the private sector to avoid competition with industry-provided SSA services.
    • It also promotes the development of voluntary industry standards for data reporting.

  6. International Cooperation:

    • The bill encourages foreign governments to participate in unclassified data-sharing arrangements for SSA and STC.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • Satellite operators, commercial space companies, government agencies, and the general public will benefit from improved data and services related to space safety.

  • Significance:

    • As commercial space activities increase, the bill addresses the urgent need for effective tracking and management of space traffic to prevent collisions and ensure the safety of astronauts and equipment in low-Earth orbit.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 5, 2025: Introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  • March 12, 2025: Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
  • September 29, 2025: Reported by Senator Cruz with amendments; placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar (Calendar No. 170).

The SAFE Orbit Act represents a significant step towards enhancing the safety and sustainability of space operations in an era of increasing satellite deployment and orbital activity.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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