Situational Awareness of Flying Elements in Orbit Act; SAFE Orbit Act
Summary
The SAFE Orbit Act aims to enhance space situational awareness and space traffic coordination. It modifies the functions and leadership of the Office of Space Commerce, elevating it to a bureau within the Department of Commerce. The Act promotes the acquisition and dissemination of unclassified data on space activities to ensure safe operations and encourage commercial space capabilities.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to improved monitoring and management of space objects and debris. This will reduce the risk of collisions and promote a safer space environment for both governmental and commercial activities. The elevation of the Office of Space Commerce to a bureau signifies a greater emphasis on space commerce within the government.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced space situational awareness reduces collision risks.
- Promotes commercial space activities by providing data and services.
- Public access to a database of space object information.
- Leverages commercial capabilities for data acquisition and dissemination.
- Encourages international cooperation in space traffic coordination.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for competition with private sector space situational awareness products.
- Reliance on commercial data may introduce vulnerabilities if not properly vetted.
- Immunity from lawsuits could reduce accountability for inaccurate information.
- Costs associated with establishing and maintaining the new bureau.
- Possible delays or disruptions during the transition of the Office of Space Commerce to a bureau.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by regulating activities in space that affect commerce. It also aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1) by promoting the safety and sustainability of space activities, which benefits the nation as a whole. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).