H.R. 5529House118th Congress (2023-2025)In Committee

To require a study of the risk of space debris impacting a metropolitan area, and for other purposes.

AI-Generated Summary

Updated January 20, 2026 at 11:31 AM UTC

The bill directs the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with FEMA, NASA, and the Defense Department, to conduct a study on the risk that space debris could strike a U.S. metropolitan area of over one million people within the next 25 years. The study must examine the likelihood of such an impact, how well it can be predicted, warning times, evacuation possibilities, federal response options, and potential defenses, and the findings must be reported to Congress within 28 months.

Key Provisions

The Secretary of Commerce must start the study within 180 days of the law’s enactment, consulting FEMA, NASA, and the Defense Secretary.
The study must evaluate the probability of debris hitting a city of over one million residents, predictability, warning capabilities, evacuation feasibility, federal relief response, and defensive measures.
A final report containing the study’s results must be submitted to specified House and Senate committees no later than 28 months after enactment.

Legislative Activity

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1 earlier action

HouseIntro Referral Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Science, Space, and Technology Committee

September 18, 2023

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

September 18, 2023

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Science, Space, and Technology Committee

September 18, 2023

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued September 18, 2023

118th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 5529

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 18, 2023

Mr. Santos introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology

A BILL

To require a study of the risk of space debris impacting a metropolitan area, and for other purposes.

Study of risk of space debris impacting a metropolitan area

(a)

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Secretary of Defense, shall carry out a study to examine the risk of space debris impacting a metropolitan area within the next 25 years.

(b)

Contents

The study required under subsection (a) shall address the following:

(1)

In the next 25 years, the probability of a space-based, manmade object impacting a populated area exceeding 1 million inhabitants.

(2)

The ability to predict such an incident.

(3)

The ability to warn the affected area, including regarding the amount of time needed to do so.

(4)

Would an evacuation process be possible, and if so, how such would be carried out.

(5)

How could relief via a Federal response be provided, and an identification of which agencies would be tasked with so responding.

(6)

Options to defend against an imminent impact.

(c)

Report to Congress

Not later than 28 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, the Committee on Homeland Security, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate a report containing the results of the study required under subsection (a).