Minimize, repurpose, and recycle: Researchers outline a plan for a self-sufficient space economy

The number of rockets heading into orbit is steadily increasing, with projections for 2025 suggesting around 300 orbital launches. Each launch emits substantial amounts of greenhouse gases and chemicals harmful to the ozone layer.

To address this growing concern, researchers have published a study in the journal Chem Circularity, exploring how sustainability and recycling concepts can be integrated into spacecraft and satellite designfrom production to end-of-life repurposing.

SpaceX's partially reusable Falcon 9 rocket has transformed the space industry by lowering launch costs, enabling more frequent satellite deployments. This surge in orbital activity, however, has intensified congestion in space.

"As humanity expands its presence in orbit, from mega-constellations of satellites to future missions to the Moon and Mars, we must avoid repeating Earth's environmental mistakes," said Jin Xuan, senior author of the study and chemical engineer at the University of Surrey. "A sustainable space future depends on harmonizing technologies, materials, and systems."

The study highlights that most satellite materials are currently not reused. Many satellites are moved to "graveyard orbits" or become part of the growing space debris problem, while others burn up during reentry. Researchers argue that such practices are unsustainable, particularly with the increase in private space launches, and advocate for a shift toward a circular space economy.

Industries like automotive and consumer electronics offer valuable lessons in reuse, repair, and recycling, which could inform space practices. "Our goal was to introduce circular economy thinking to the space sector, where it has been largely absent," Xuan explained. "While circular principles are transforming manufacturing on Earth, they are rarely applied to rockets, satellites, or space habitats."

The authors propose increasing the durability and repairability of satellites and other space machinery. Space stations could serve as hubs for refueling and repairs, while producing replacement parts in orbit could reduce the number of launches needed. Technologies like soft-landing systems, including airbags and parachutes, could allow satellite components to be reused, and robotic systems could help recapture orbital debris.

"We need innovation across the boardfrom materials that can be reused or recycled in orbit, to modular spacecraft designed for upgrades, and data systems tracking hardware performance in space," Xuan said. "Equally crucial are international collaborations and policies that support reuse and recovery beyond Earth. The next step is to integrate chemistry, engineering, and governance to make sustainability the default in space exploration."

Commentary: The Need for Sustainability in the Expanding Space Economy

The recent study published in *Chem Circularity* sheds light on the growing environmental concerns associated with the increasing frequency of orbital launches. As space activity expands, particularly through private companies like SpaceX, the amount of greenhouse gases and chemicals released into the atmosphere becomes increasingly worrisome. With projections indicating a significant rise in the number of launches by 2025, it’s clear that urgent steps are needed to address the environmental impact of this burgeoning industry.

One of the central points raised by the researchers is the lack of sustainability in current space missions. While many industries on Earth, such as automotive and consumer electronics, have made strides in recycling and reuse, the space sector has yet to adopt similar principles. The proposed circular space economy, which focuses on reusing materials, enhancing durability, and reducing waste, could serve as a pivotal shift for space exploration. Adopting such principles is not just an ecological necessity, but also an economic one. By reducing the need for constant launches through in-orbit refueling and repairs, companies could ultimately lower costs while protecting the environment.

Furthermore, the growing issue of space debris and the overcrowding of orbital space is an area where innovation is sorely needed. Space stations could become hubs for maintaining and repurposing satellites, with new technologies like soft-landing systems and robotic debris recapture helping to reduce waste. These measures could not only enhance the sustainability of space missions but also pave the way for more efficient space operations in the future.

Ultimately, a sustainable future for space exploration requires a collaborative effort between governments, private industries, and scientific communities. By adopting circular economy principles and developing technologies that enable recycling and reuse in space, we can ensure that humanity’s expansion into the cosmos does not come at the expense of Earth's environment.

Sources:

• Reduce, reuse, recycle: Scientists chart path to a self-sustaining space economy