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All satellites will eventually be non-operational, so the question is: do they have a plan for picking up these 4500 pieces of future space junk once they are n

All satellites will eventually be non-operational, so the question is: do they have a plan for picking up these 4500 pieces of future space junk once they are no longer in use?

coolspot 9y ago
Low orbit junk quickly falls back onto earth if not supported by engines.
- craftyguy 9y ago
  "quickly" can still be several years, or more.
  - Tuna-Fish 9y ago
    The industry standard is deorbit within 25 years after end of mission. The SpaceX proposal (1) plans for deorbiting of every satellite within one year after the end of their mission. (1) http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/ib/forms/reports/swr031b.hts?q_set=V_SITE_ANTENNA_FREQ.file_numberC/File+Number/%3D/SATLOA2016111500118&prepare=&column=V_SITE_ANTENNA_FREQ.file_numberC/File+Number http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/ib/forms/report...
golergka 9y ago
They're in LOE, so they just go into atmosphere and burn.