DARPA has unveiled a program called Phoenix that seeks to recycle costly still-useful components from retired geosynchronous orbit satellites to assemble new spacecraft in space, possibly creating a new “Satellite Recycling” market. The program calls for DARPA to develop robotic capabilities to harvest satellites’ antennas, solar arrays and other components.
This innovative future space technology business opportunity is discussed and analyzed in research report
“If this program is successful, space debris becomes space resource,” said DARPA Director Regina Dugan, in the agency’s release.
The report describes and explores current and emerging technologies and markets, by geographic regions, and includes a detailed analysis of multiple business opportunities that are likely to arise from the evolution of both the markets and the technologies in this sector.