And what about space debris?

Earth is drowning in space debris.

Since Sputnik I’s launch in 1957, over 8,000 satellites have been placed in orbit, causing around 6,000 space explosions. Defunct rockets and satellites drift uncontrollably, totaling over 30,000 pieces of debris. We have abandoned our waste in space unseen and underestimated in danger.

We mapped the lifecycle of the Galileo satellite from the European Space Agency. We studied its creation, launch, life, and threats like the Kessler Syndrome, a chain reaction of collisions causing debris. Concluding that at his end of life, Galileo is sent to space cemeteries or terrestrial dumps like Point Nemo none offering a second life.

My proposal promotes a circular economy through two parallel actions in space and on Earth, connected by architectural solutions.

First, orbital debris is cleaned in situ using capture and satellite deorbiting devices. These are stored in a transformed space base an evolved International Space Station serving as a docking hub.

On Earth, debris is transported to bases for space waste reprocessing and innovation. The architecture enables efficient large-scale processing with automated loading, sorting, crushing, and melting plastics and metals. The design integrates multifunctional spaces coworking, labs, and workshops fostering collaboration among engineers, designers, and researchers.

Sustainability is embedded through compost gardens and climbing walls built from recycled materials, promoting reuse and community engagement. The architectural vision balances industrial processes with spaces inspiring innovation and social interaction.

Finally, assembly modules produce sustainable satellites ready for launch from European Space Agency platforms.

Thus, Galileo’s landscape transforms into Neo Galileo a sustainable satellite system connecting humans and waste to redefine space exploration’s future.