# Plain Language Summary: Aerospace Debris Safety Act

This bill creates a new federal program to track space debris falling back to Earth and warn aircraft about the danger. Right now, when old satellites, rocket parts, and other objects in orbit break apart or lose power, they eventually fall back through the atmosphere. The problem is that nobody has a coordinated system to track where these objects are going or alert planes in time to avoid them. This bill fixes that by requiring the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration to set up a tracking system, create a database of dangerous objects, and establish a way to quickly notify and redirect aircraft when debris is falling in their path.

The program will work by gathering information from existing government agencies and private companies that already track space objects, then combining that data into one central database. The government will figure out which falling debris poses the biggest risk to aircraft and people on the ground, and will identify airspace that needs to be closed or restricted when dangerous debris is expected. When a plane is in danger, air traffic controllers will be able to quickly warn pilots and guide them to safety. Airlines and foreign air navigation services won't have to pay for this basic warning service in U.S. airspace, though foreign countries can pay a fee if they want the service over their own territory.

The bill also allows the government to share space debris information with other organizations like state governments, commercial companies, and foreign entities to help improve transportation safety overall. However, the government can't share classified military information or data that would compromise national security without special agreements in place. The bill provides $15 million per year for 2022 and 2023 to build and operate this tracking and warning system, protecting both aircraft and people on the ground from the growing problem of uncontrolled space debris.

Aerospace Debris Safety Act

Graves, Garret

Aerospace Debris Safety Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation to establish a program to track objects that are potential sources of airborne debris that pose a risk to the safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce. It must also (1) create a database containing data and information on such objects, (2) utilize existing tools and methods to determine the likelihood and circumstances under which such objects may reenter the Earth's atmosphere, (3) assess the risk such objects may pose to aircraft or individuals and property on the ground, and (4) establish a system to control or restrict airspace when risks are present due to the presence or expected presence of airborne debris and to expeditiously notify and redirect aircraft at risk of being impacted by such debris.