A bipartisan group of senators has reintroduced legislation aimed at formally establishing a space traffic coordination system under the Office of Space Commerce. The Situational Awareness of Flying Elements in Orbit Act, or SAFE Orbit Act, was introduced on February 5th by eight senators, led by Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas).
The bill proposes the creation of a space traffic coordination system within the Office of Space Commerce, outlining key features such as a publicly accessible database and conjunction data messages. It also grants the office immunity from lawsuits related to the use of these services.
The bill highlights the growing concern about the increasing number of satellites and debris in low Earth orbit, emphasizing the need for a robust traffic coordination system to prevent collisions. The proposed system, known as TraCSS, is currently in beta testing and is expected to be fully operational by September 2025.
The SAFE Orbit Act also seeks to elevate the Office of Space Commerce from its current position within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to a bureau directly reporting to the Secretary of Commerce. This change aims to enhance the office's visibility and resources.
A similar version of the bill was introduced in early 2024 and passed the Senate unanimously in December. However, it was not taken up by the House before the end of the previous Congress. The reintroduction of the bill in the new Congress suggests continued support for the establishment of a formal space traffic coordination system.