The Dark and Quiet Skies Act of 2024 establishes a Center of Excellence for Dark and Quiet Skies to address how satellite operations and other space activities interfere with astronomical research and scientific observations. The Center, to be awarded as a competitive grant to eligible organizations like universities, nonprofits, observatories, or federal laboratories within one year of enactment, will work with the satellite industry and astronomy community to develop voluntary best practices and mitigation techniques that reduce optical and radio interference with federally funded scientific research. The bill authorizes $20 million in funding over fiscal years 2025 through 2029 and requires the Center to publish research results, work across federal agencies and the private sector, and submit annual progress reports to Congress through 2029. The Center will operate for an initial five-year period, with the Department of Commerce's Under Secretary for Standards and Technology responsible for awarding the grant and overseeing operations. Key stakeholders consulted in establishing the Center include satellite operators, space agencies, the Federal Communications Commission, and Native entities.
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