Department of Commerce Comments on Mitigation of Orbital Debris in the New Space Age

The Department of Commerce respectfully requests that the Commission defer action in this proceeding until completion of the agency actions mandated by the President’s Space Policy Directives.  In the interim, the Department requests the Commission’s participation in an Interagency Working Group on Commercial Orbital Debris Requirements to, among other things, identify the proper agency to administer orbital debris regulations, develop regulatory parameters for any such regulations, and identify what approach the administration should take with regard to space insurance to advance U.S. space commerce.  The Department looks forward to working with the Commission toward the shared goals of ensuring responsible space operation that will propel U.S. innovation and investment, and encourage commercial space operations under U.S. flag.