The vast accumulation of debris in Earth orbit—ranging from defunct satellites and launch vehicle remnants to mission fragments—poses growing risks to both active spacecraft and future space operations. With nearly 30,000 pieces of debris larger than 10 centimeters and around 10,000 tons of material in orbit, this environment represents not only a hazard but also a potential resource. Many of these components contain valuable metals and materials already processed and launched through energy-intensive efforts on Earth. Traditionally, proposed debris-removal methods have focused on destruction—retrieving fragments using magnetic, harpoon, or robotic mechanisms to burn them up in Earth’s atmosphere. However, this approach overlooks the opportunity to recover and reuse these orbital assets, which could support sustainable space operations and reduce the need for costly launches from Earth.

Emerging concepts in on-orbit servicing, repair and manufacturing suggest a more resource-efficient future. Capabilities such as satellite refueling, maintenance robotics, material recycling and 3D printing could enable the repurposing of debris into functional components or entirely new satellites. Advancements in automation, additive manufacturing and blockchain-based satellite tracking systems support the vision of an orbital economy where materials and hardware are repaired or remanufactured in situ. In this sense, what is currently labeled as “space junk” could become a foundation for orbital industry—turning debris into a valuable raw material stream that sustains long-term space infrastructure and scientific research in the microgravity environment.

FSDA's Space Resources initiative focuses on feasibility studies and prototyping for space-based in-situ resource identification and utilisation. Research focuses on developing technologies that can operate in the extreme conditions of space. This forward-looking programme positions Africa at the forefront of technologies that will be critical for sustainable space exploration, from Earth orbit to the Moon, Mars, the Asteroid Belt and beyond. Furthermore, the technologies developed for resource processing and manufacturing in a range of extreme environments from Earth orbit to the surfaces of celestial bodies will have terrestrial applications in remote and resource-constrained environments, creating spin-off benefits for African communities. The programme also creates research opportunities for African scientists and engineers in cutting-edge fields, helping to retain talent and build expertise in emerging technologies.