‘Space is filling with junk’, here’s how to fix it?

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Scientists unveiled some unusual information about the place. A group of researchers and astronauts discover that Earth’s orbit is being cluttered by broken satellites and leftover rocket parts.

Researchers also suggest possible solutions to overcome this problem and take important steps to act immediately.

He revealed that his goal is to make space exploration cleaner and more sustainable.

A new paper published December 1, 2025 in the Cell Press journal ChemCircularity examines how familiar concepts are used to design satellites and spacecraft, repair them in orbit, and manage them at the end of their service lives.

Astronomers also called for new tools to collect old debris and new data systems that help prevent collisions.

How junk is affecting space

The researchers explained that each rocket launch sends valuable material into the sky that cannot be recovered, while also releasing large amounts of greenhouse gases and chemicals that damage the ozone layer.

Research has indicated 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 the mission ends.

Many older satellites have been relegated to ‘graveyard orbits’, while others become drifting orbital debris that can disrupt the functioning 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 because they see 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 the long-term is,” Zwan says. “Circular economy thinking is transforming materials and manufacturing on Earth, but it’s rarely applied to satellites, rockets or space habitats.”

Scientists suggest the solution ‘3RS’. Reduce, reuse and recycle

According to the team, the base of the circular space economy is Rs.3. Reduce, reuse and recycle.

Reducing waste will start by 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 undergo refueling, repairs, or even manufacture new components, which could reduce the number of launches required.

• Better recovery systems, including technologies like parachutes and airbags, will be needed to bring spacecraft and space stations safely back to Earth for reuse, the authors added.

• They point out that equipment in space is subject to significant wear and tear due to extreme temperatures and radiation, so any parts for reuse will need to undergo rigorous safety checks.

Debris recovery and use of safe space operations

• The researchers also recommend new efforts to collect orbital debris, such as using robotic arms or nets to collect fragments so the material can be recycled and also help avoid collisions that create more debris.

• They report that data-driven tools will play an important role in this transition and that information gathered from spacecraft can guide design improvements and help limit waste, while simulation tools can reduce the need for expensive physical testing.

• He suggested that AI systems could help spacecraft and satellites avoid hazardous debris in real time.

Replacing entire space stations

While considering the importance of cleaning up debris from space scientists, he called for the replacement of entire space stations through innovation and global cooperation.

• He emphasized that a circular space economy represents a major change in how the space sector operates.

Instead of focusing on one end, the entire system needs to be considered at the same time from the materials used in the spacecraft’s launch and retirement procedures.

“We need innovation at every level, from materials that can be reused or recycled in orbit and modular spacecraft that can be upgraded rather than discarded, to data systems that track the age of hardware in space,” Zwan says.

The study concluded that apart from scientists providing solutions on how to clean up space debris, they also suggested that they need international cooperation to accelerate the decluttering mission through a policy framework.

“But just as importantly, we need international cooperation and policy frameworks to encourage off-the-ground reuse and recovery. The next step is about integrating chemistry, design and governance to transform sustainability into a default model for space.”

Additionally, this research was supported by the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the Leverholm Trust, and the Surrey-Adelaide Partnership Fund.