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How should we deal with space junk? Space recycling, of course
University of Surrey researchers propose reducing materials, repairing, and recycling space debris, noting over 25,000 large pieces orbit Earth and risks of economic losses without action.
- This week, researchers at England's University of Surrey published a paper proposing a system-level approach to tackle orbital debris, arguing that coordinated systems thinking is needed over isolated fixes.
- Collision dynamics — including past crashes — mean millions of objects orbit Earth, adding small fragments to totals exceeding 100 million, with over 25,000 larger than 4 inches, and about 10,000 tons of debris in low-Earth orbit.
- The paper recommends industry-wide steps such as reducing material use, repairing in orbit, and recycling unrecoverable debris while Astroscale tests robotic capture arms with demonstrations and controlled UK capture trials.
- One legal hurdle is the Outer Space Treaty provision that launched objects remain property of their launchers, making cleanup illegal without owner consent, while security concerns arise from dual-use capture technologies.
- Researchers note the economic stakes — a potential 1.95% hit to global GDP — and highlight space shuttle windshield damage during Sally Ride's flight along with Hubble collisions, while stakeholders say mitigation hinges on incentives and funding.
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Universe TodayReposted by 
NETPark North East Technology Park
NETPark North East Technology ParkApplying the Principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to Space
In a new study, sustainability and space scientists discuss how the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling could be applied to satellites and spacecraft.
·United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left1Leaning Right1Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution78% Center
Bias Distribution
- 78% of the sources are Center
78% Center
11%
C 78%
11%
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