The Viability of Systems for Orbital-discarded Upper Stage Remediation and Salvage

GRIFFITH J. INGRAM

2026.79.0262

DOI https://doi.org/10.59332/jbis-079-07-0262

Future growth of the debris population will be driven primarily by collisions between large “derelicts”—expended final stages of launch vehicles and defunct payloads. Historically, final stages have been left in orbits essential for active utilisation. While de-orbiting preserves these orbits, it poses two distinct hazards: pollution of the upper atmosphere and impact danger to the Earth’s surface. Furthermore, these derelicts possess monetary value due to their position and their composition of high- grade aerospace alloys. This paper will examine a specific case, chosen for its technical difficulty and the degree of danger to space sustainability, and will posit two possible options for salvaging such derelicts: firstly, a two-component system, comprising a “Seeker-Tug” vehicle capable of grappling with satellite objects and altering their orbit, and an “Orbital Recycling Centre” to repurpose such objects or recycle their materials and components; secondly, a vehicle which combines both functions, designed to render derelict satellite objects down into metal suitable for use as reaction mass for a “Magdrive” plasma propulsion system. The design details of these two options are considered to be beyond the scope of this paper; however, a case will be made as to the preferred option.

Keywords: Orbital debris, Space sustainability, Orbital manufacturing