May 6, 2024

We Asked a NASA Technologist: What Happens to Old Satellites?

What occurs to old satellites? Well, presently they either burn up upon reentry or they remain in space dead.
What occurs to old satellites? Currently, they either burn up safely upon reentry into the atmosphere or they stay in space. But NASA is working on new innovation that might make spaceflight more sustainable by refueling or upgrading satellites in space, considerably broadening their lifespans. Heres more about the On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1 (OSAM-1) Mission. Credit: NASA
We Asked a NASA Expert Video Series

Old satellites that have actually run out of fuel or are no longer functioning are pulled down by gravity and may end up on a continent or in the ocean if they do not burn up upon reentry. To prevent this and make use of these satellites, NASA is working on OSAM-1 (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing Mission 1), which will have the capability to sustain and upgrade crucial possessions in space.
What occurs to old satellites?
Usually, satellites, if they lack fuel or something takes place to it where its just not working, it is basically orbiting around the Earth dead. So what occurs eventually is gravity will continually pull on it and bring it down. If that satellite, upon reentering into the environment does not burn up, in some cases youll find pieces of that structure on one of our large continents or in the ocean. We do not desire that to occur.
Thats why NASA is working on in-space servicing, assembly and production capabilities. Essentially, that is going to assist NASA check out and produce missions that are going to improve our abilities from the Moon, Mars and beyond.

Old satellites that have run out of fuel or are no longer working are pulled down by gravity and might end up on a continent or in the ocean if they dont burn up upon reentry. To avoid this and make use of these satellites, NASA is working on OSAM-1 (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing Mission 1), which will have the capability to sustain and upgrade crucial possessions in area. Normally, satellites, if they run out of fuel or something takes place to it where its just not working, it is basically orbiting around the Earth dead. NASA is working on brand-new technology that could make spaceflight more sustainable by refueling or updating satellites in space, greatly expanding their life expectancies.