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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Department of Energy have researched several methods of disposal in space. Possibilities included launching waste containers into orbit around the sun.

Space disposal offers the attraction of permanent separation of waste from the human environment. However, the risk of an accident during launch makes this an unacceptable option.

In addition, space disposal is impractical because of the number of launches that would be required. Establishing international agreements on how such a program would be operated and regulated would also be difficult.