ORBITS Act of 2025 (S.1898)

Key Provisions

• $150 million authorized for FY2026-2030 for debris remediation demonstrations
• Directs NASA to establish Active Orbital Debris Remediation Demonstration Program
• Requires NASA to publish ranked list of highest-risk debris objects
• Mandates two or more competing industry teams for technology demos (promotes competition)
• Encourages US government to buy ADR services commercially once demos succeed
• Directs National Space Council to update Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices (ODMSP)
• Encourages FAA and FCC to use updated standards as basis for federal regulations

Sponsors

• Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) — Chair, Commerce Committee
• Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
• Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY)
• Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS)
• Bipartisan support signals strong likelihood of passage

Significance

• First dedicated US funding for active debris removal (not just mitigation guidelines)
• Shifts from voluntary mitigation to government-funded removal capability
• Creates market signal for ADR companies (Astroscale, ClearSpace, etc.)
• Companion to ESA Zero Debris Charter and Japan ADR framework — global momentum

Key Data Points

• ~1 million pieces of debris cited as motivation
• $150M over 5 years (~$30M/year)
• Unobligated funds rescinded by Dec 31, 2030 (use-it-or-lose-it pressure)

Source: ORBITS Act of 2025 — US Senate, 119th Congress