Space Debris Foundation

04/16/2026

The Space Debris Foundation is proud to announce that we have formally submitted our application to be considered as a Permanent Observer to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) and have now been published by the UN Office of Outer Space Affairs to be considered.

This milestone underscores our mission to advance global awareness, responsibility, and action around space debris mitigation, space situational awareness, space traffic management, and the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. We are excited about the opportunity to contribute our perspective to international discussions shaping the future of space.

Together, we can help ensure space remains accessible, safe, and sustainable for generations to come 🌍✨

https://www.unoosa.org/res/oosadoc/data/documents/2026/aac_105c_22026crp/aac_105c_22026crp_4_0_html/AC105_C2_2026_CRP04E.pdf

03/30/2026

Our founder, Tate Few, has been invited by the U.S. Department of State to participate in the Space Resource Activities (SRA) Discussion Group to advise the U.S.-delegation to UNCOPUOS. We are very excited for this opportunity and to have a platform that will help us work towards our goal of ensuring the long-term sustainability of outer space.

03/13/2026

Thank you to my alma mater, Coastal Carolina University, for the shoutout and I quote, “Tate Few ’22 turned his passion for space and advocacy into action by founding the Space Debris Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the growing challenges of space debris and its impact on satellite technologies that support our economy, national defense, and security. Since launching the organization after graduating from CCU, its growth has been exponential, creating new opportunities and forums to advance its mission. His advice: “Leap if your heart is set on something, because you can do anything you set your mind to. And if you’re interested in space, there’s a place for you in the aerospace sector, no matter your major. Space is permeating every industry, so keep setting your sights on the stars.” 🚀”

I'm proud to be a Coastal Carolina University Alumni

03/13/2026

Tate Few ’22 turned his passion for space and advocacy into action by founding the Space Debris Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the growing challenges of space debris and its impact on satellite technologies that support our economy, national defense, and security. Since launching the organization after graduating from CCU, its growth has been exponential, creating new opportunities and forums to advance its mission. His advice: “Leap if your heart is set on something, because you can do anything you set your mind to. And if you’re interested in space, there’s a place for you in the aerospace sector, no matter your major. Space is permeating every industry, so keep setting your sights on the stars.” 🚀

02/09/2026

Is space situational awareness important to you? If so, please see our self-prepared statement regarding our thoughts on the content of the SSA Expert Group meeting at the United Nations.

02/09/2026

Our organization signed the Zero Debris Charter in Vienna, Austria at the United Nations on 9 February, 2026. Our organization believes the Charter is a starting point for effective debris mitigation, building off the IADC Guidelines. The goal to prevent the production of further debris in orbit is of utmost importance. By collaborating internationally via this Charter, it moves us all closer to unified standards to address the space debris issue.

02/06/2026

Our Founder, CEO, and Executive Director Tate Few attended the 63rd Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) in Vienna, Austria, in addition to the space situational awareness discussion group that focused on data sharing, international collaboration, and collision avoidance.

01/07/2026

Our founder, Tate Few, has been invited by the Department of State to participate in the SSA Discussion Group to advise the U.S.-delegation to UNCOPUOS. We are very excited for this opportunity and to have a platform that will help us work towards our goal of a safe, sustainable, and navigable orbital environment.

11/27/2025

We want to wish all of those who support our mission a Happy Thanksgiving! We are so thankful for you and our team.

11/09/2025

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our Government Affairs Director, Col. (Ret.) Mark Beckler, who was lost during a marine archeological expedition while scuba diving.

We had brought Mark onto the team several weeks before the incident, and he was extremely enthusiastic to be involved with our mission and to help us advocate in Congress and federal agencies for our mission.

In the short time we knew Mark, we could tell he was a great man, a passionate scholar and professional, and an honorable patriot who served our country.

We give our deepest condolences to the Beckler family.

09/20/2025

Amazon Wants FCC to Drop Five-Year Rule on De-Orbiting Satellites

In 2022, the FCC instituted the requirement for satellites operating in low-Earth orbit (LEO) to deorbit their satellite within 5 years of completing their mission. However, Amazon has spoken out against this rule, stating that they want to see the rule scrapped in light of Project Kuiper.

More specifically, Amazon met with the FCC Space Bureau Chief Jay Schwarz, according to a letter dated September 12, where they discussed reforms to the rule "that better accommodates the realities of space operations while maintaining robust safety standards." They believe it imposes an artificial and rigid timeline that does not clearly and meaningfully increase space safety, and that a satellite failure that violates the rule is "not entirely within the operators control."

We disagree. The 5 year rule is necessary to ensuring a safe and sustainable space environment. Our goal as the Space Debris Foundation is to advocate for rules like this and to push for a Zero Debris approach, especially with the rapid congestion of protected orbital regions.

We want to make this clear. Amazon's proposal reduces accountability for them and other operators. Operators need to make end-of-life plans before launching, and incorporate that within their budget. Amazon attempting to add this loophole of "under nominal conditions" for disposal within 5 years allows for operators to hide behind external factors. This is unacceptable and not supported by our organization.

See Amazon's letter here:

Federal Communication Commission Electronic Comment Filing System