End-of-Life

Removal of a satellite from its operational orbit, either through destruction or relocation

Child applications

• Active Debris Removal

  Capture and removal of defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and other space debris from orbit

• Controlled Re-Entry

  Deliberate and managed descent of a satellite into Earth’s atmosphere

• Graveyard Orbit Transfer

  Transfer of satellite to graveyard orbit via external servicer (rather than as part of usual decommissioning operations using spacecraft's own fuel reserves)

• Salvage

  Repurposing of defunct or damaged satellites

Organisations operating in this area