ISED looks to limit space debris in update to satellite spectrum licences

The federal government has amended its spectrum licence conditions for satellite companies in an attempt to limit the amount of non-operational equipment floating around outer space. On April 24, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) released a decision requiring companies to “de-orbit” all low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites within five years of the station’s operational life. Previously, satellites had to return from space (or ‘decay’) within 25 years of their operational window, a timeline that will remain in place for medium-Earth orbit (MEO) and highly-eccentric orbit (HEO) satellites. Most satellites used for household or business connectivity, like SpaceX Corp.’s Starlink fleet, or the upcoming Telesat Corp.’s forthcoming Lightspeed constellation, are composed of LEO satellites. As reported by other outlets, there are more than 14,000 LEO satellites currently orbiting the Earth’s atmosphere, along with nearly 3,000 inactive objects. Meanwhile, the European Space Agency projects approximately 100,000 total satellites to reach outer space by the end of the decade, largely owing to the commercial industry’s exponential growth. The Canadian government’s new policy is part of the government’s effort to crack down on “orbital congestion and collision risks” associated with the proliferation of new satellites. “It is increasingly important for all satellite operators to minimize the risks of space debris through responsible design, operation and the timely de-orbiting of their satellites,” wrote ISED in the decision, referencing the potential for space debris to damage or destroy operational stations. “It is equally essential for regulatory frameworks to keep pace with the rapidly changing orbital environment.” Moving forward, applicants for LEO satellite licences must demonstrate a 90 per cent probability for “post-mission disposal,” though ISED said it will encourage operators to attain a 99 per cent success rate. During a consultation conducted last year, the industry’s perspective on the requirements was decidedly mixed, with Telesat Corp., the Ontario-based firm MDA Space Ltd., Amazon.com Inc.’s LEO branch, and the Canadian Space Agency supporting the update. However, companies such as Canada’s Kepler Communications Inc., the Australian firm Myriota Inc., which operates a Canadian branch, as well as the University of Victoria’s aerospace research centre felt the changes could create regulatory burden and increased costs for smaller players. “While some respondents proposed a tiered or more flexible approach for academic, scientific or small missions, other small operators acknowledged that disposal within five years is achievable,” read the decision. “ISED notes that space agencies and regulatory authorities broadly consider a five-year disposal timeframe feasible.” The new application process will also require satellite companies to include an environmental assessment that considers the number of satellites within 30 kilometers of the proposed orbit, along with collision risks, coordination measures, and debris mitigation strategies. With the decision, ISED has brought Canada’s regulatory framework in alignment with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, which also mandates a five-year de-orbiting window, as well as the European Space Agency. The United Nations also issued space debris mitigation guidelines in 2007 that, among other things, call for “limiting the probability of accidental collision in orbit” and “limiting the long-term presence of spaceraft… in the low-Earth orbit region.” Along with the decision, ISED also published the updated guidelines for satellite spectrum licences last week, as well as new rules for foreign-licenced satellites in Canada. The policy decision comes less than a week after the Liberal government introduced Bill C-28, which, if passed, would give Canada sovereign space launch capabilities that would allow satellite companies to send stations into orbit from home soil. With the Liberal government’s newfound majority in the House of Commons, the legislation is expected to pass expeditiously. Debate at second reading for Bill C-28 started on April 28, with Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon (Gatineau, Que.) touting the importance of promoting Canada’s space industry. “Satellites are critical infrastructure,” he told MPs. “They are as essential to our economy and well-being as roads, ports, and power grids.” “But satellites are only as reliable as our ability to launch, maintain, defend, and replace them.” dlegree@thewirereport.ca

ISED looks to limit space debris in update to satellite spectrum licences

Regulatory |
By Davis Legree
|April 28, 2026

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