Four of the companies selected are disadvantaged firms, and three are women-owned firms. Individual SBIR projects are managed by NASA's 10 field centers. Findings from recent studies have proven that LEO is not a limitless resource and must be managed carefully in the future. Currently, there is no law requiring that old satellites be removed from orbit. However, NASA has recently implemented a guideline for its own satellites, and it is likely that this guideline, or one like it, will become a law.
Satellites typically have some means of propulsion for orbit corrections.
One method of removing a satellite from orbit would be to carry extra propellant so that the satellite can bring itself down out of orbit. However, this method requires a large mass of propellant, and every kilogram of propellant that must be carried up reduces the weight available for revenue-producing transponders. Moreover, this requires that the rocket and satellite guidance systems must be functional after sitting in orbit for 10 years or more. Often, this is not the case, and the satellite ends up stuck in its operational orbit. This also requires that the satellite's power, propulsion and guidance be working at the end of the satellite's mission.