Dialogue on Practices for Post Mission Disposal

SWF hosted, as as a side event to the 2017 Small Satellite Conference in Logan, Utah, a workshop focused on discussing appropriate PMD practices for commercial space operators, and on actions for increasing confidence in, and understanding of, those practices. The Dialogue on Practices for Post Mission Disposal took the form of a moderated small group discussion with satellite operators (including commercial and academic), satellite manufacturers, and de-orbit and launch service providers. Discussion focused on cubesat operations. The workshop discussed ways to broaden understanding of current compliance rates; the potential roles of de-orbit devices; and the need to develop best practices for aspects of end of mission operations beyond just de-orbiting.