Propulsion System
Provides thrust for orbital manoeuvres, station-keeping, attitude control, and end-of-life deorbiting. Fuel type selection has significant environmental implications.
Risks (7)
Alumina particle emissions
HighSolid rocket boosters release alumina particles that catalyse ozone destruction in the upper atmosphere.
1 obligation2 opportunitiesBlack carbon deposition in stratosphere
HighRocket exhaust deposits black carbon particles in the stratosphere, absorbing solar radiation and contributing to localised warming and ozone depletion.
1 obligation2 opportunitiesCollision with operational satellites
HighRisk of a decommissioned or uncontrolled satellite colliding with active spacecraft, potentially creating a cascading debris event (Kessler Syndrome).
2 obligations2 opportunitiesFragmentation from residual fuel
HighResidual propellant remaining in decommissioned satellites can cause explosions, generating significant debris fields.
2 obligations1 opportunityHydrazine fuel leakage
HighLeakage of highly toxic hydrazine propellant during handling, fuelling, or in-orbit operations, posing severe health and environmental hazards.
1 obligation2 opportunitiesLaunch site soil contamination
MediumSpillage of propellants and combustion byproducts contaminate soil and groundwater at launch facilities.
1 obligation2 opportunitiesOrbital slot overcrowding in GEO
HighLimited geostationary orbital slots are becoming increasingly congested, raising collision risks and limiting future access.
1 obligation2 opportunitiesNo risks match the current filters.