Legislation that would have mandated NASA to create a programme to clear orbital debris was approved by the Senate, but its proponents will probably need to reintroduce it in the next Congress in order to become law.

The Orbital Sustainability Act, often known as the ORBITS Act, was unanimously approved by the Senate on December 21. Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), the head of the Senate Commerce Committee's space subcommittee, presented the bill in September. Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), chair of the full committee, and Roger Wicker, the ranking member of the full committee, all joined forces to co-sponsor the measure (R-Miss.) 

A list of debris objects 'that represent the greatest immediate risk to the safety and sustainability of orbiting satellites and on-orbit activities' would be published by NASA, in collaboration with other governmental agencies and the private sector, according to the law. The measure doesn't specify how to determine that risk or how many items should be on the list.

Additionally, the ORBITS Act would mandate that NASA create a proactive programme for debris collection and cleanup. According to the list, it would give out prizes 'for the development of technology leading to the repair of chosen orbital junk,' including demonstration missions to clear the debris. The law would make it possible for NASA and other organisations to hire debris removal specialists.

 The measure would compel the National Space Council to revise the government's current Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices, with further updates every five years, in addition to the requirements on active debris removal. It instructs the Commerce Department to collaborate with other organisations on best practises for coordinating space transportation.

Beyond stating that such activity would be subject to appropriations, the measure makes no explicit financing provisions for NASA or other agencies to carry out the active debris clearance or other activities. Many businesses and organisations did support it, including the satellite servicing industry association CONFERS, which stated in a statement in September that the measure recognised the need for government and industry cooperation in orbital debris removal.