TechnicalEOL
End-of-Life
The final phase of a space mission when operational activities cease and disposal procedures are implemented.
End-of-Life (EOL) is a critical mission phase addressing the transition from operations to disposal, with significant regulatory requirements under the EU Space Act.
EOL Planning Requirements Authorization applications must include:
- Disposal method selection
- Propellant budget allocation
- Timeline for disposal operations
- Contingency procedures
EOL Activities
- Final mission operations
- Payload decommissioning
- Data archive and transfer
- Orbit lowering (if applicable)
- Passivation
- Final telemetry
- Disposal verification
Disposal Options by Orbit
- LEO: Atmospheric re-entry (controlled or uncontrolled)
- GEO: Graveyard orbit insertion
- MEO: Case-by-case assessment
- HEO: Generally, re-entry or long-term orbit
Regulatory Timeline
- LEO: 5 years post-mission (EU requirement)
- GEO: Immediate graveyard insertion
- Notification: 30 days before EOL operations
Challenges
- System failures preventing disposal
- Insufficient propellant
- Loss of communication
- Tumbling spacecraft