There are more than 10,000 functioning satellites in orbit and space has become a new frontier for business. While the commercial space boom is driving innovation and economies, it has also created the need for more focus on sustainability in space tech.

An increase in private satellite launches brings with it increases in space debris and greenhouse gas emissions. But through reusable modular components, biodegradable materials and other promising solutions, mankind can harness the power of satellites and still protect our planet.

What is Sustainable Satellite Design?

Sustainable satellite design refers to the development of spacecraft with minimal environmental impact, both in space and on Earth. It involves reducing waste, improving efficiency, and ensuring that satellites can be responsibly retired or repurposed at the end of their operational life.

The number of satellites launched each year has grown at a rate of 50% according to the World Economic Forum. Sustainable satellite design becomes even more important as the number of satellites rises and contributes to increasing space debris and environmental concerns. 

Sustainable satellite design aligns with the three core principles of the circular economy model: eliminating waste and pollution, reusing products and materials, and regenerating nature.

Why Weren’t Satellites Always Created Sustainably?

Historically, satellites were built with a focus on performance, durability, and reliability rather than sustainability. Engineers prioritized materials that could withstand the extreme conditions of space, often choosing non-recyclable and highly durable substances such as titanium, aluminum alloys, and carbon composites. 

These materials are excellent for space travel, but not for the environment. These designs contributed to long-term space debris and increased the environmental footprint of satellite manufacturing and disposal.

Additionally, older satellite models were designed as single-use systems, meaning once they reached the end of their operational life, they became defunct and added to orbital space waste. The lack of standardized modular components also made it difficult to repair or upgrade satellites.

Sustainability Through Modular Satellite Components

One of the most promising solutions for improving satellite sustainability is the rise of modular components. Modular satellite design involves interchangeable parts that can be repaired, upgraded, or replaced instead of only used once. Modular design lengthens a satellite’s lifespan, reduces waste, and decreases the need for total satellite replacements.

Modular components also allow for in-orbit servicing, in which robotic or human missions replace outdated parts or systems while a satellite is orbiting. This technology lowers the cost of launching new satellites and helps prevent the accumulation of unnecessary space debris.

Another key benefit of modularity is adaptability. Instead of designing a brand-new satellite for each mission, space agencies and private companies can repurpose existing modular systems. This cuts down on production waste and improves efficiency. 

The Use of Biodegradable Materials

An emerging innovation in sustainable satellite design is the use of biodegradable materials. Traditional satellites are built with materials such as titanium and aluminum that are designed to last indefinitely in space. These current space-grade materials pose a significant challenge when satellites become defunct and turn into debris. 

Governments and companies are experimenting with ways to make space junk biodegradable to help solve the growing problem of orbital debris. Innovative biodegradable alternatives could also minimize the long-term environmental impact of satellite components.

Current Uses and Materials

In December 2024, the world’s first wooden satellite was launched. Called LignoSat and developed by JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency), it was deployed into Earth’s orbit from the International Space Station. LignoSat is made of honoki magnolia wood, which experiments found to be particularly stable and resistant to cracking.

When metal satellites re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere, they burn and create tiny, problematic particles that remain in the upper atmosphere. But satellites made of wood could burn up without releasing harmful debris or chemicals.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has also been experimenting with natural-fiber composites in satellite designs. ESA developed the first natural fiber reinforced satellite panel using flax plant fibers. ESA says threading these fibers through satellite panel material “can help space missions burn up more rapidly during atmospheric reentry – making their disposal safer for people and property on the ground.”

Biodegradable materials for satellites are still in the early stages of development. But if widely adopted, they could offer a more sustainable alternative to conventional satellite materials and potentially solve the growing problem of orbital debris.

Limitations and Risks Compared to Non-Sustainable Materials

Incorporating biodegradable materials into satellites faces several challenges. The main concern for any space material is durability because spacecraft need to withstand extreme temperatures, radiation exposure, and impacts by tiny rock particles called micrometeoroids. Traditional materials such as titanium and aluminum have been extensively tested in space, but biodegradable alternatives require more research to confirm they can be viable, long-term options.

It is also essential that biodegradable materials degrade at the appropriate time and under the right conditions. Premature degradation could ruin a mission, while incomplete degradation means the materials would still add to orbital debris. Scientists and engineers developing these satellite materials have the difficult task of balancing sustainability with performance to be sure that biodegradable materials meet the rigorous demands of space missions.

Sustaining Our Space Exploration in the Future

The future of satellite sustainability depends greatly on innovation and collaboration among governments, space agencies, and private companies. Satellite sustainability needs to be prioritized from the beginning of the design process and integrate modularity, repairability, and biodegradable materials.

Policy initiatives such as the European Space Agency’s Zero Debris Charter and NASA’s focus on in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) technology highlight a growing commitment to reducing space waste. Advancements in reusable launch vehicles such as SpaceX’s Falcon 9 also contribute to sustainability efforts by reducing launch waste and costs.

A more responsible space industry equals a more sustainable satellite ecosystem. With the space economy set to be worth .8 trillion by 2035, this growth could realistically fuel a new generation of sustainable satellite technology and a cleaner future in space exploration.