Debris EXtraction Tools for Extra-terrestrial Recycling

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In-Space Recycling and Reuse of Orbital Assets (ISRROA) is the most financially and ecologically sustainable solution to the problem of orbital debris. The DEXTER (Debris EXtraction Tools for Extraterrestrial Recycling) project solves two key obstacles – lack of adequate tooling for harvesting end of life spacecraft and processing debris, and lack of a propulsion system capable of both high thrust and propellant economy needed for long term Active Debris Removal (ADR). DEXTER will provide solutions for two viable use cases for recovering orbital material: turning recycled materials into structural elements and propellant. We will (1) develop and validate in a laboratory environment robotic technology that allows for the harvesting, processing, and repurposing of orbital debris materials into new structural elements to build new infrastructures in space, and (2) explore processes for converting scrap aluminium to propellant and delivering via a prototype refuelling mechanism, and provide a ground-based demonstration of a prototype refuellable thruster suitable for operating future ADR missions without resupply from earth. Key DEXTER breakthroughs include (1) demonstrating the viability of laser cutting and welding in a vacuum, (2) developing a modular toolkit with novel capabilities including a multipurpose rotary tool, a non-destructive gripping mechanism and computer vision for semiautonomous operation (3) and demonstrating the viability of using orbital debris as propellant. Laboratory demonstrations will validate the developed technologies against two potential ISRROA use cases – spacecraft disassembly and reassembly in a different structural form and as propellant for a high-powered plasma thruster. We will demonstrate the viability of spacecraft harvesting and refuelling ADR missions with recycled orbital material. A circular economy for space will reduce the threat posed by space debris by transforming it from a liability into a valuable asset.