ORBITS Act of 2025
The ORBITS Act of 2025 directs the U.S. government to address orbital debris (human-made space junk) by requiring the Commerce Department to publish a public list of high-risk debris within 90 days of enactment. It authorizes $150 million for NASA to establish a demonstration project, partnering with commercial companies, universities, or nonprofits to develop technologies for actively removing debris from orbit. The bill also mandates updates to national debris mitigation standards and space traffic coordination practices, with requirements for annual reports to Congress on progress. These provisions primarily affect NASA, the Commerce Department, and commercial space operators involved in debris remediation efforts.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced May 22, 2025
Last action Jun 18, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Jun 18, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz without amendment. With written report No. 119-128.
upper
Feb 12, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
upper
May 22, 2025
Committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
upper
May 22, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
John W. Hickenlooper
DDemocratic
Co
Cynthia M. Lummis
RRepublican
Co
Maria Cantwell
DDemocratic
Co
Roger F. Wicker
RRepublican
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