Medium

E-waste from decommissioned electronics

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

REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) EU

REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) Legal

EU regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.

Components

Avionics On-board Computer Sensors

Lifecycle Stages

End of Life

Environmental Concerns

Resource Depletion Toxic Material Usage

Obligations (1)

Medium

Manufacturers should implement supply chain due diligence for conflict minerals and rare earth elements used in satellite electronics.

REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) EU

REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) Legal

EU regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.

Medium

Implement design-for-recycling principles, use recycled materials, and establish take-back programmes to reduce resource consumption and waste.

ESA Clean Space Initiative EU

ESA Clean Space Initiative Policy

European Space Agency programme targeting environmental sustainability in space activities.

REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) EU

REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) Legal

EU regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.

High

Engineer satellite components to fully ablate during atmospheric re-entry, eliminating ground impact risk and reducing liability concerns.

ESA Clean Space Initiative EU

ESA Clean Space Initiative Policy

European Space Agency programme targeting environmental sustainability in space activities.

NASA Technical Report: Satellite End-of-Life Best Practices

NASA Technical Report: Satellite End-of-Life Best Practices Technical

Technical report detailing recommended approaches for satellite decommissioning.