- Space Debris as Raw Material: 30,000+ pieces of debris representing 10,000 tons of processed metals and materials already in orbit
- On-Orbit Manufacturing: 3D printing and additive manufacturing enable creating new components from recycled debris
- Satellite Servicing & Repair: Refueling, maintenance, and component replacement extend satellite lifespans and reduce launch costs
- Orbital Economy Vision: Remanufacturing materials in situ creates sustainable space infrastructure without constant Earth launches
- Tracking & Automation: Blockchain-based tracking and autonomous robotics enable efficient debris identification and recovery
Space Resources
Space Resources initiatives look to the future sustainability of space exploration, spanning repurposing space debris in Earth orbit to utilizing materials on the Moon, Mars, the Asteroid Belt, and beyond as in situ resources to support off-world exploration.
Nearly 30,000 pieces of debris larger than 10 centimeters and around 10,000 tons of material orbit Earth, posing growing risks to active spacecraft and future space operations. Many components contain valuable metals and materials already processed and launched at tremendous energy cost. Traditional debris removal focuses on destruction, burning fragments in Earth's atmosphere. This approach overlooks the opportunity to recover and reuse orbital assets, supporting sustainable space operations and reducing costly launches from Earth.
Emerging capabilities in on-orbit servicing, repair, and manufacturing suggest a more resource-efficient future. Satellite refueling, maintenance robotics, material recycling, and 3D printing could enable repurposing debris into functional components or entirely new satellites. Advancements in automation, additive manufacturing, and blockchain-based tracking systems support the vision of an orbital economy where materials and hardware are repaired or remanufactured in situ. What is currently labeled "space junk" could become a foundation for orbital industry, turning debris into a valuable raw material stream sustaining long-term space infrastructure.
FSDA's Space Resources initiative focuses on feasibility studies and prototyping for space-based in situ resource identification and utilization. Research develops technologies operating in extreme conditions from Earth orbit to the surfaces of celestial bodies. This forward-looking programme positions Africa at the forefront of technologies critical for sustainable space exploration. Technologies developed for resource processing and manufacturing in extreme environments have terrestrial applications in remote and resource-constrained regions, creating spin-off benefits for African communities. The programme creates research opportunities for African scientists and engineers in cutting-edge fields, helping retain talent and build expertise in emerging technologies.
