Stage 6

End of Life

The decommissioning phase where the satellite is deorbited, moved to a graveyard orbit, or left to decay. This phase is critical for preventing long-term space debris accumulation and potential atmospheric contamination on re-entry.

11 components Concerns32

Filter risks

Environmental Concern

Component

Risks (7)

Battery thermal runaway

High

Risk of lithium-ion batteries overheating and causing fire or explosion, potentially leading to satellite fragmentation and debris creation.

1 obligation

Collision with operational satellites

High

Risk of a decommissioned or uncontrolled satellite colliding with active spacecraft, potentially creating a cascading debris event (Kessler Syndrome).

2 obligations2 opportunities

Environmental degradation

High

Batteries are typically made of lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, or lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide which are limited natural resources

Fragmentation from residual fuel

High

Residual propellant remaining in decommissioned satellites can cause explosions, generating significant debris fields.

2 obligations1 opportunity

Uncontrolled re-entry debris

High

Satellite components surviving atmospheric re-entry may impact populated areas, posing risks to human safety and causing ground contamination.

3 obligations1 opportunity

Canthode materials

Medium

Cathode material breakdown

E-waste from decommissioned electronics

Medium

Satellite avionics contain hazardous materials that contribute to e-waste concerns if not properly managed during end-of-life.

1 obligation2 opportunities

No risks match the current filters.