Section 417.129 - [Effective until 3/10/2026] Safety at end of launchA launch operator must ensure for any proposed launch that for all launch vehicle stages or components that reach Earth orbit-
(a) There is no unplanned physical contact between the vehicle or any of its components and the payload after payload separation;(b) Debris generation does not result from the conversion of energy sources into energy that fragments the vehicle or its components. Energy sources include chemical, pressure, and kinetic energy; and(c) Stored energy is removed by depleting residual fuel and leaving all fuel line valves open, venting any pressurized system, leaving all batteries in a permanent discharge state, and removing any remaining source of stored energy.