Dark and Quiet Skies Act of 2025

Senate Bill

S. 3247

119th Congress

Dark and Quiet Skies Act of 2025

In Committee

Introduced:Nov 20, 2025

Primary Sponsor

John Hickenlooper

D - CO

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Summary

Establishes a Center of Excellence for Dark and Quiet Skies to address interference from satellite constellations with astronomical observations. As thousands of satellites are launched for communications and other purposes, they create light pollution and radio interference affecting federally funded observatories. The Center would develop voluntary best practices with the satellite industry to mitigate impacts on scientific research.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

Establishes a Center of Excellence for Dark and Quiet Skies to address interference from satellite constellations with astronomical observations. As thousands of satellites are launched for communications and other purposes, they create light pollution and radio interference affecting federally funded observatories. The Center would develop voluntary best practices with the satellite industry to mitigate impacts on scientific research.

Last updated: 12/27/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Creates Center of Excellence under NIST via competitive grant
Addresses optical interference (light trails) and radio frequency interference
Works with satellite industry on voluntary mitigation practices
Five-year authorization with mandatory progress reports
Requires consultation with NASA, NSF, FCC, and private sector
Bipartisan bill from Senators Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Crapo (R-ID)

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Affects astronomical research community facing growing satellite interference, particularly large telescope facilities. Benefits satellite operators through standardized best practices. Impacts the multi-billion dollar space industry by establishing industry-wide coordination on brightness and radio emissions standards.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

3247, 119th Congress (2025). "Dark and Quiet Skies Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-s-3247