As of November 2022, the U.S. Space Surveillance Network reported 25,857 artificial objects in orbit above the Earth from discarded rockets and satellites. More debris that is too small to be tracked — like paint flecks and solid rocket exhaust particles — exists in the near-Earth space environment.
All are large enough to be a hazard for spacecrafts and can threaten astronauts traveling into space, the International Space Station, as well as unmanned robotic missions.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have been awarded close to $3 million from the National Science Foundation to explore ways to recycle and reuse that cosmic debris to create a sustainable in-space manufacturing industry that looks at ways to reclaim discarded space materials, like metal, as well as incorporate natural elements, like rocks and sand, found on the moon.
“The overarching goal of this project is to guide the development of a sustainable in-space industry that minimizes or reduces the impact of overusing our resources here on Earth,” said Weiwei Mo, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering.
“We are at the infancy of figuring how to create the logistics for in-space manufacturing but, ultimately, the goal is to produce a space mission using materials and resources from space and to be able to leave the Earth’s resources for other much needed purposes.”
The UNH researchers will collaborate with scientists from Purdue University and Baylor University, with support from NASA and Astroport Space Technologies, to explore ISM and the concept to set up “in-space factories” to reclaim and retrieve space resources to use in assembling and fabricating space-related hardware.
This study will develop a framework to assess how in-space manufacturing may impact sustainability on Earth and in space.
Researchers will explore ways to minimize the environmental impact by managing waste, assuring quality and optimizing resources used in the harsh environment of space, understanding how terrestrial manufacturing technologies may be sustainably adapted to the space environment and identifying the critical enablers and barriers towards a more sustainable space industry.
The focus is on the potential for long-term benefits for Earth and people around the globe facing challenges like climate change, resource depletion, environmental pollution and population growth. This project will also be a first attempt in conceptualizing space sustainability.
Questions such as what “space sustainability” means and how and to what extent in-space manufacturing is likely to “pollute” the space environment will be explored.
The scientists say future knowledge and tools developed around ISM could also have benefits on Earth, citing examples like being able to better distribute manufacturing to severely rural communities to help reduce supply chain issues. They stress that it will be important for the fundamental principles developed for ISM to incorporate sustainable processes and technologies to ensure the pursuit of progress aligns with the goals of environmental stewardship and long-term viability.
“It may all sound futuristic but the need for sustainability is now and is the most important goal in how in-space manufacturing could help protect both Earth and space environments,” said Mo.
The research will also fulfill a national goal to advance sustainable ISM in order to create critical emerging technologies. The first countries to develop this capability will stimulate spin-off technologies across various related fields and industries.
Solar advocates in New Hampshire — backed by the congressional delegation — are denouncing a Trump White House decision to claw back $48.5 million already promised to the state to fund solar energy projects for low-income residents.
The NH Tech Alliance is seeking applicants for the 19th annual Product of the Year competition, which will highlight the best innovation from the Granite State over the past year.
Albacore Park hopes newest marine propeller inspection software will spark interest in STEM careers
Novo Nordisk has lowered its full-year 2025 sales and operating profit forecasts due to weaker-than-expected growth in its key obesity and diabetes drugs, the Danish drugmaker announced Tuesday. Novo Nordisk employs more than 400 people at its West Lebanon, NH, location.
Cairn Surgical Inc., which is developing technology designed to make breast cancer surgery more precise, has received ISO 13485:2016 certification for the quality management system associated with the its Breast Cancer Locator System, the Lebanon company announced Thursday.
Experts from New North Ventures, Alumni Ventures, AIN Ventures, and more shared strategies for helping startups and small businesses overcome the “valley of death” at a June 10 NH Tech Alliance forum focused on national security investing.
From broadband access to digital skills
Tech leaders converged on Fidelity Investments’ Merrimack campus May 28 for the 10th anniversary of NH Tech Alliance’s TechWomen Connect and Awards, and in a first, one of the night’s three honorees was a middle school teacher.
Housing, workforce development, education and child care were all topics during the Regen Valley Tech Hub Community Update, held at 150 Dow St., home of Advanced Regenerative Techology Institute. The update, which drew an audience of more than 300, was the cap-off to the weeklong Meeting in the Millyard 2025, which highlights advances in the industry.
