Exploring the Circular Economy in Space

This report explores what a circular economy could mean in the space sector and assesses how circularity concepts translate to spacecraft, subsystems, and materials. It defines a “circular space economy” as an ecosystem in which space systems are designed and operated to remain in use through in space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing, with the aim of minimizing waste, optimizing resource use, and preserving the orbital environment for future generations. The report proposes a hierarchy of nine circularity strategies for space activities: Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, and Recycle, and evaluates their current maturity and feasibility. It argues that a fully circular space sector is not achievable due to unavoidable losses and missions beyond recovery, but that meaningful circularity gains are possible. The report highlights enabling technologies associated with ISAM, discusses potential environmental, operational, and economic benefits, and identifies barriers including cost, business case uncertainty, regulatory gaps, technology readiness, and risk aversion. It concludes with an outlook for staged demonstrations and commercialization over the coming decades, contingent on aligned policy, markets, standards, and interoperability.