Space Debris Recycling by Electromagnetic Melting

Abstract

For the commercial space ecosystem to achieve industrial scale a complete value chain for space-resources processing must be established, including the capability for refining and processing structural materials, such as metal, on orbit. Through on-orbit salvage and recycling, space debris can be transformed into a space-derived metal resource. A platform for processing metal would be able to not only reduce the amount of space debris, but also create a supply of necessary materials for a variety of in-space manufacturing and satellite servicing missions. This chapter describes the physical principles of processing metal with electromagnetic levitation as well as its implications for future facilities in orbit. The Electromagnetic-Levitator (EML) on the ISS is discussed and possible designs for future EMLs are presented. Further, the possible applications of metal as a potential source of propellant for electric propulsion systems and as feedstock for in-space manufacturing are discussed. In addition, policy and lawperspectives are explored, looking at the liability and ownership issues that can arise when processing space debris.