Satellite: Difference between revisions

When satellites reach the end of their mission (this normally occurs within 3 or 4 years after launch), satellite operators have the option of de-orbiting the satellite, leaving the satellite in its current orbit or moving the satellite to a [[graveyard orbit]]. Historically, due to budgetary constraints at the beginning of satellite missions, satellites were rarely designed to be de-orbited. One example of this practice is the satellite [[Vanguard 1]]. Launched in 1958, [[Vanguard 1]], the 4th artificial satellite to be put in Geocentric orbit, was still in orbit {{as of|lc=y|20152022|0302}}<ref>[https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1958-002B NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive Header Vanguard 1], lookup 28.02.2022</ref>, as well as the upper stage of its launch rocket.<ref name=ha20130921a>{{cite web |title=Vanguard 1 – Satellite Information |url=http://www.heavens-above.com/SatInfo.aspx?satid=5&lat=0&lng=0&loc=Unspecified&alt=0&tz=UCT |work=Satellite database |publisher=Heavens-Above |access-date=7 March 2015 }}</ref><ref name=ha20130921b>{{cite web |title=Vanguard 1 Rocket – Satellite Information |url=http://www.heavens-above.com/SatInfo.aspx?satid=16&lat=0&lng=0&loc=Unspecified&alt=0&tz=UCT |work=Satellite database |publisher=Heavens-Above |access-date=7 March 2015 }}</ref>