Scientists unveiled some unusual information about space. A group of researchers and astronauts, find that Earth’s orbit is getting cluttered with broken satellites and leftover rocket parts.
The researchers also suggest possible solutions to overcome the issue and take important measures to act promptly.
They revealed that their goal is to make space exploration cleaner and more sustainable.
A new paper published on December 1, 2025, in the Cell Press journal Chem Circularity examines how familiar ideas could be built into the way satellites and spacecraft are designed, repaired in orbit, and handled at the end of their service lives.
The astronomers also demanded new tools to collect old debris and new data systems that help prevent collisions.
How Junk is affecting space
Researchers explained that each rocket launch sends valuable materials into the sky that cannot be recovered, while also releasing large amounts of greenhouse gases and chemicals that damage the ozone layer.
The research underlines that growing debris and abandoned satellites are causing huge problems in space.
Most spacecraft and satellites are never recycled and large amounts of material are permanently lost when missions end.
Many older satellites are shifted into ‘graveyard orbits,’ while others become drifting orbital debris that can disrupt the operation of active systems.
The authors argue that this approach cannot continue, especially with the increasing pace of private space missions.
They highlight the need for a circular space economy, a model in which materials and equipment are created with reuse, repair, and recycling in mind as they noticed that industries such as personal electronics and automotive manufacturing have already adopted similar ideas with considerable success.
“Our motivation was to bring the conversation about circularity into the space domain, where it’s long overdue,” says Xuan. “Circular economy thinking is transforming materials and manufacturing on Earth, but it’s rarely applied to satellites, rockets, or space habitats.”
Scientists suggest solution ‘3Rs’; Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
According to the team, the foundation of a circular space economy lies in the 3 Rs; reduce, reuse, and recycle.
• Reducing waste would begin with building satellites and spacecraft that last longer and can be fixed more easily in space.
• They also suggest turning space stations into multifunctional centers where spacecraft can refuel, undergo repairs, or even have new components manufactured, which could cut down on the number of launches required.
• The authors add that bringing spacecraft and space stations safely back to Earth for reuse would require better recovery systems, including technologies such as parachutes and airbags.
• They point out that equipment in space experiences significant wear because of extreme temperatures and radiation, so any part intended for reuse would need to pass strict safety checks.
Recovering debris and using safe space operations
• The researchers also recommend new efforts to gather orbital debris, such as using robotic arms or nets to collect fragments so the materials can be recycled and this would also help prevent collisions that create even more debris.
• They inform data-driven tools will play an important role in this transition and the information gathered from spacecraft could guide improvements in design and help limit waste, while simulation tools may reduce the need for expensive physical testing.
• They suggested that AI systems could help spacecraft and satellites avoid dangerous debris in real time.
Transforming entire space stations
While reflecting upon the importance of clearing debris from space scientists emphasized for transforming entire space stations through innovation and global cooperation.
• They emphasized that a circular space economy represents a major shift in how the space sector works.
• Instead of focusing on one end, the entire system needs to be considered at once from the materials used to how spacecraft are operated and retired.
“We need innovation at every level, from materials that can be reused or recycled in orbit and modular spacecraft that can be upgraded instead of discarded, to data systems that track how hardware ages in space,” says Xuan.
The research concluded that besides scientists giving solutions about clearing space debris they also suggested that they need international collaboration to accelerate the decluttering mission through policy framework.
“But just as importantly, we need international collaboration and policy frameworks to encourage reuse and recovery beyond Earth. The next phase is about connecting chemistry, design, and governance to turn sustainability into the default model for space.”
Additionally, this research received support from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the Leverhulme Trust, and the Surrey-Adelaide Partnership Fund.
