Green Toolkit for Space
High

Uncontrolled re-entry debris

Satellite components surviving atmospheric re-entry may impact populated areas, posing risks to human safety and causing ground contamination.
UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines International
UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines Policy
United Nations guidelines for mitigating space debris in Earth orbits.
Jurisdiction
International
Open source (opens in a new tab)
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.
Components
Batteries Heat Pipes Insulation (MLI) Thermal Control
Lifecycle Stages
End of Life
Environmental Concerns
Ground Contamination Space Debris Generation

Obligations (3)

Comply with UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines

High
Operators must design missions to limit debris generation during normal operations, minimise breakup potential, and ensure post-mission disposal within 25 years.
UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines International
UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines Policy
United Nations guidelines for mitigating space debris in Earth orbits.
Jurisdiction
International
Open source (opens in a new tab)

Controlled re-entry planning

High
Operators must plan controlled re-entry to ensure debris impacts occur in designated safe ocean areas, minimising risk to populated regions.
UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines International
UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines Policy
United Nations guidelines for mitigating space debris in Earth orbits.
Jurisdiction
International
Open source (opens in a new tab)
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.

Liability for space object damage

High
Under the Outer Space Treaty and Liability Convention, launching states bear international liability for damage caused by their space objects.
Outer Space Treaty (1967) International
Outer Space Treaty (1967) Legal
Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space.
Jurisdiction
International

Opportunities (1)

Design for demise

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.
Jurisdiction
EU
Open source (opens in a new tab)
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.