Federal Communications Commission	FCC 22-66


STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER NATHAN SIMINGTON

Re: 	In the Matter of Space Innovation, IB Docket No. 22-271; Facilitating Capabilities for In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing, IB Docket No. 22-272, Notice of Inquiry (August 5, 2022).

I am pleased to approve today’s notice and I also thank my colleagues for agreeing to include questions about the state of the art technology in active debris remediation and removal.  
Today’s NOI takes a significant step in asserting U.S. leadership in the emerging space economy, just as space activities rapidly accelerate new opportunities in multiple industries.  I believe it is important that the FCC take an active role in implementing the interagency ISAM National Strategy to improve the way we use space for in-space and terrestrial operations.
I also applaud the NOI’s thoughtful consideration of FCC efforts in the Orbital Debris NPRM proceeding.  It’s crucial that as we consider crafting orbital debris mitigation rules for U.S satellite service providers, that we ensure the same or similar obligations apply to ISAM providers and other space operators.  
Specifically, the NOI asks essential questions about the orbital debris mitigation and remediation implications of ISAM activities, including what the FCC should do, for example, about potential debris created by byproducts from in-space assembly and manufacturing.  As the NOI states, and I agree, the FCC should consider both updates to our orbital debris mitigation rules that would help to address such risks, and additional or modified disclosure requirements for ISAM providers.
I look forward to a robust record in response to this NOI.  Thank you to the staff of International Bureau for their hard work on this important item.  It has my support.  


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