[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.0.3″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.3″][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.0.3″ type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.3″ hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
By Pascal Wauthier, Chairman, the Space Data Association<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Space debris is a real threat to the space environment. It has already been the cause of some serious incidents in space and as the amount of satellites in orbit increases, the threat will continue to get significantly higher. Satellite operators all have a responsibility to ensure they follow the right procedures at the end of satellite lifetime to avoid those satellites remaining in orbit and adding to the debris.<\/p>\n Here is a roundup of the most important considerations for end of satellite life:\u00a0<\/p>\n Choosing the right moment can be challenging yet vitally critical. It is important that there is enough fuel on-board to make sure that a re-orbit or de-orbit will be successful. At the same time, if something has already failed on a given satellite and a further failure would make re-orbit impossible, it is important the operator takes steps to perform the re-orbit before another failure can happen.\u00a0<\/p>\n The procedure for end of satellite life will depend greatly on the orbital regime, so it is important to understand the guidelines and challenges associated with the appropriate regime.\u00a0<\/p>\n When re-orbiting a satellite, the operator needs to remove all sources of stored energy. Failure to do so could result in an accidental explosion or break-up of the satellite. At the same time however, it requires a lot of care to ensure that the operator maintains control of the satellite during and up to the completion of these activities.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n