SMC-S-022 (2010), AFSC SPACE AND MISSILE SYSTEMS CENTER STANDARD END-OF-LIFE DISPOSAL OF SATELLITES IN LOW-EARTH ORBIT (19 MAR 2010)

SMC-S-022 (2010), AFSC SPACE AND MISSILE SYSTEMS CENTER STANDARD END-OF-LIFE DISPOSAL OF SATELLITES IN LOW-EARTH ORBIT (19 MAR 2010)., This report specifies requirements for (1) planning for disposal of satellites operating in low Earth orbits with perigee altitude below 2000 km, (2) selecting the final disposal orbits whose perigee altitude is low enough to ensure a natural decay due to atmospheric drag within 25 years, (3) executing the disposal maneuver successfully, and (4) depleting all energy sources onboard the vehicle prior to end-of-life to minimize the possibility of a debris-producing event. Techniques for planning and determining the final disposal orbit are provided, considering current internationally accepted guidelines and operational best practices.