How long might a defunct, older satellite at a high altitude remain a collision hazard?
Answer
Decades or even centuries
Legacy satellites that fail passively at higher altitudes contrast sharply with Starlink, as they can persist as tracking objects and potential debris for very long timeframes.
Related Questions
What is the average daily rate of Starlink satellite deorbiting reported for 2025?How many controlled deorbit maneuvers are performed annually based on the calculated midpoint average?How many Starlink satellites did SpaceX reportedly manage to deorbit during one specific six-month period?What procedure dictates the removal of a Starlink satellite that completes its mission or develops a fault?What specific region is historically designated as the target for safe disposal of controlled re-entries?What is the engineering focus regarding the satellite's demisability during atmospheric passage?What percentage of the entire fleet is being retired daily to maintain orbital hygiene?How long might a defunct, older satellite at a high altitude remain a collision hazard?What is the estimated lifespan of a Starlink satellite within its operational shell?What does the active disposal plan ensure regarding the hardware after a Starlink satellite is retired?What activity is the frequent deorbit schedule contrasted against for older space assets?