For the first time, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has fined a company for improper disposal of its defunct satellite. The satellite cable company Dish Network was fined US$150,000 because it failed to move an old satellite that was no longer in operation to a safe distance from others currently being used.
The FCC had asked Dish Network to move one of its older satellites, EchoStar-7, 186 miles further from the Earth. However, the satellite had only advanced 76 miles before it ran out of fuel at the end of its operational life in 2022. The company admitted to its liability over the satellite and agreed to pay the fine.
美國聯邦通訊委員會首次因一家公司不當處理廢棄衛星而對其開罰。衛星有線電視公司 DishNetwork因未能將一顆不再運作的舊衛星移至與目前仍在使用的其他衛星保持安全距離，而被處以十五萬美元的罰款。
Photo: AdobeStock 照片：AdobeStock
聯邦通訊委員會已要求Dish Network將其較舊的EchoStar-7衛星從原本位置推進一百八十六英里（編按：亦即距離地球再遠一百八十六英里）。然而，該衛星在 2022 年運作生命結束、燃料用完前，僅移動了七十六英里就無法繼續前進。該公司承認對這顆衛星的處理負有責任並同意支付罰款。
Words in Use
1. fine n. 罰金 & vt. 處以罰金
The punishment for a first offense is a fine.
初犯的處罰是罰金。
Tim was fined NT$1,800 for running a red light.
提姆因為闖紅燈而被罰了新臺幣一千八百元。
2. improper a. 不當的
An improper diet can cause poor health.
不當飲食可能導致健康欠佳。
3. satellite n.（人造）衛星
The president attended the launch of the new satellite.
總統蒞臨發射新人造衛星的現場。
4. landmark n. 重大事件，里程碑
The landmark decision by the Supreme Court protected the fundamental rights of citizens.
最高法院那個意義重大的裁決保護了公民的基本權利。
5. violate vt. 違反
James kept violating the school rules and was eventually kicked out.
詹姆斯不斷違反校規，最後被退學了。
6. authority n. 權力，權威（不可數）
Police have the authority to uphold the law.
警方有維護法律的權力
Practical Phrases
1. be in operation 運作中；營運中
operation n. 操作；營運
operational a. 運作上的；經營上的
Ryan’s shop has been in operation since 1994.
萊恩的店從1994年營運至今。
2. run out of... 用光∕耗盡……
We ran out of sugar and salt, so I’m going to buy some more.
我們的糖跟鹽都用完了，所以我要去買一些回來。
3. admit to N/V-ing 承認（做）……
= admit N/V-ing
It’s impossible for Ed to admit to his mistakes.
要艾德承認錯誤是不可能的。
Jill has admitted to eating my cake.
吉兒承認她吃掉了我的蛋糕。
★To be continued tomorrow（明日待續）
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聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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