# ORBITS Act of 2025

**Type:** Legislative proposal  
**Status:** Introduced (S.1898, 119th Congress)  
**Sponsors:** Senators Cantwell, Hickenlooper, Lummis, Wicker (bipartisan)  
**Domain:** Orbital debris mitigation, active debris removal  

## Overview

The Orbital Sustainability Act of 2025 (ORBITS Act) is bipartisan Senate legislation to establish a mandatory US active debris remediation program. It represents the most significant legislative response to the orbital debris crisis in the 119th Congress.

## Key Provisions

- Direct NASA to publish a priority list of highest-risk debris objects
- Establish an ADR demonstration program partnering with commercial industry
- Direct National Space Council to update Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices
- Create government funding mechanism to catalyze commercial ADR market

## Significance

The ORBITS Act is LEGISLATIVE (binding if passed), not voluntary like WEF or ESA frameworks. The ADR demonstration program could bridge the gap between current commercial capacity (1-2 objects/year) and the threshold for LEO stabilization (60+ objects/year). Bipartisan sponsorship signals serious policy momentum.

## Support

- Secure World Foundation (public endorsement)

## Timeline

- **2025** — Bill introduced as S.1898 in 119th Congress
- **2026-01** — SpaceNews coverage highlights significance as first binding US ADR framework proposal