deorbitplanning

Deorbit planning is the process of preparing and executing a spacecraft’s end-of-life disposal maneuver to return to Earth’s atmosphere or to a designated disposal orbit. It covers both controlled reentry strategies and alternative end-of-life options, with the aim of minimizing risk to people and property and complying with space debris mitigation standards. The planning activity integrates mission requirements, vehicle design, and regulatory constraints to determine a safe and feasible disposal path.

Key elements of deorbit planning include selecting an end-of-life option, estimating required propulsion or other deorbiting devices, and modeling the trajectory and potential debris footprint. A risk assessment evaluates ground casualty risk, overflight and maritime/airspace impacts, and the likelihood of surviving debris reaching populated areas. Regulatory compliance involves adhering to international guidelines and national rules, such as leakage control, passivation of remaining propellants, and disposition timelines (for example, many guidelines aim for disposal within 25 years of mission end in low Earth orbit).

Common disposal options are controlled reentry, where a precise deorbit burn targets a safe splashdown zone in an uninhabited area or ocean, and moving a defunct satellite to a graveyard or disposal orbit. For small satellites or high-risk objects, passivation and alternative strategies may be used to reduce hazard.

The deorbit plan typically progresses from design-phase considerations to mission-end procedures, including delta-v budgeting, safety analyses, regulatory approvals, and on-orbit verification of the disposal maneuver. Effective deorbit planning reduces the long-term debris footprint and protects public safety while meeting operator and regulatory obligations.