Where is the graveyard orbit?

The graveyard orbit is located approximately 22,400 miles (about 36,000 kilometers) above Earth. This specific altitude places it significantly beyond the orbits of active satellites, serving as a designated space for retired spacecraft.

Understanding the Graveyard Orbit's Location

Often referred to as a "disposal orbit" or "cemetery orbit," the graveyard orbit is a crucial part of space debris mitigation strategies. Its position is not arbitrary; it's carefully chosen to ensure that decommissioned satellites do not pose a collision risk to operational spacecraft, particularly those in the highly utilized geostationary orbit (GEO).

Here are the key characteristics defining its location:

• Absolute Altitude: It resides approximately 22,400 miles (about 36,000 km) directly above Earth's surface. This puts it well into the region of high Earth orbit.
• Relative Position to Active Satellites: This orbit is situated almost 200 miles farther away from Earth than the farthest active satellites. This significant buffer helps prevent interference and potential collisions with functional spacecraft.

Why Satellites Go to the Graveyard Orbit

When a satellite reaches the end of its operational life, it typically has limited fuel remaining. For geostationary satellites, which orbit at around 22,236 miles (35,786 km) above the equator, the most fuel-efficient way to dispose of them is to boost them upwards into this higher graveyard orbit. This prevents them from drifting back into the geostationary belt, which is a valuable and limited resource for communication and weather satellites.

Key Facts about Graveyard Orbits:

By moving inactive satellites to this distant region, space agencies and operators contribute to the long-term sustainability of space activities, ensuring the safety of current and future missions.