Deorbit Service
A commercial service that captures and lowers a defunct satellite to controlled atmospheric re-entry — meeting end-of-life regulations.
A deorbit service is a paid commercial mission that captures or attaches to a satellite at end-of-life and lowers it to controlled atmospheric re-entry, satisfying regulatory requirements (FCC's 5-year post-mission disposal rule, ESA Clean Space, JAXA D4D). Astroscale, ClearSpace, and others are flying the first demonstrations.
End-of-life regulation is tightening globally. The FCC's 5-year rule cut the previous 25-year guideline by 80%. Operators of large constellations need a credible deorbit path, and commercial deorbit services are emerging as the practical answer for satellites that lose propulsion or attitude control.
- Constellation end-of-life compliance
- Failed-satellite removal
- Targeted high-risk debris removal (overlaps with ADR)