Editing Satellite (section)

=== Degeneration ===
Particular threats arise from uncontrolled de-orbit. 

Some notable satellite failures that polluted and dispersed radioactive materials are [[Kosmos 954]], [[Kosmos 1402]] and the [[List of nuclear power systems in space|Transit 5-BN-3]].

When in a controlled manner satellites reach the end of life they are intentionally deorbited or moved to a [[graveyard orbit]] further away from Earth in order to reduce [[space debris]]. Physical collection or removal is not economical or even currently possible. Moving satellites out to a graveyard orbit is also unsustainable because they remain there for hundreds of years.<ref name="Gaston" /> It will lead to the further pollution of space and future issues with space debris. 
When satellites deorbit much of it is destroyed during re-entry into the atmosphere due to the heat. This introduces more material and pollutants into the atmosphere.<ref name="schulz" /><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Miraux |first1=Lois |last2=Willson |first2=Andrew |last3=Calabuig |first3=Guillermo |title=Environmental sustainability of future proposed space activities |journal=Acta Astronautica |date=2022 |volume=200 |issue=1 |pages=329–346 |doi=10.1016/j.actaastro.2022.07.034 |bibcode=2022AcAau.200..329M |url=https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/82154/1/Miraux_etal_AA_2022_Environmental_sustainability_of_future_proposed_space_activities.pdf}}</ref> There have been concerns expressed about the potential damage to the ozone layer and the possibility of increasing the earth's [[albedo]], reducing warming but also resulting in accidental [[geoengineering]] of the earth's climate.<ref name="Gaston" /> After deorbiting 70% of satellites end up in the ocean and are rarely recovered.<ref name="Durrieu" />