S 428
Advanced toward a vote
Directs the Commerce Department to acquire and share unclassified space tracking data and collision-avoidance services at no charge, and elevates the Office of Space Commerce to a bureau reporting directly to the Secretary.
Official title: SAFE Orbit Act
Timeline each lane is a chamber; dates pull from congress.gov actions
Senate
Introduced
05-FEB-2025
Referred
05-FEB-2025
Approved by committee
12-MAR-2025
Reported
29-SEP-2025
On the calendar
29-SEP-2025
- The Assistant Secretary for Space Commerce acquires orbit, location, and collision data and makes a public database of space objects available at no charge.
- Free basic tracking services for satellite operators may not compete with private sector space situational awareness products, and the services are reviewed at least every 3 years.
- The United States, its agencies, and persons acting for it are immune from lawsuits arising from space situational awareness services or information.
- The Office of Space Commerce becomes a bureau within 5 years, headed by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary paid at Executive Schedule level IV.
Covers an older version. The newest CRS summary describes the bill as of "Introduced in Senate" (05-FEB-2025); the text has changed since (Reported to Senate, 29-SEP-2025).
CRS is the Library of Congress's nonpartisan research office. Read it on congress.govScience, Technology, Communications
■ 4 D■ 3 R
4 Democrats
3 Republicans