Recycling & Valorization
of Space Materials

Rethinking the end-of-life of space infrastructure

Towards a circular and sustainable spatial economy

The space sector is experiencing exponential growth, but with it comes a new challenge: the management and reuse of infrastructure and materials generated by space activities. Currently, this equipment, whether in orbit or on the ground, remains largely excluded from a structured circular economy approach.

At Cosmos for Humanity, we are actively working to rethink the end-of-life of space sector infrastructure, developing concrete, sustainable solutions with a strong environmental and societal impact.

UpSat Cycle:
a first step towards a circular economy in the space sector

The UpSat Cycle program is the first building block of this reflection. It initially focused on the recycling and repurposing of ground-based satellite antennas, in order to make them a concrete lever for sustainability for the space industry.

This study identified:

a significant pool of infrastructure reaching the end of its life;
a strong potential for valorization of materials (metals, composites, electronics);
and the absence of a structured sector dedicated to the space industry.

Discover the UpSat Cycle program

Copie de Flyer Dubaï Air Show_edited.jpg

Technical Department

Partners

CNES (National Centre for Space Studies)

Cosmos Drops

From the lessons learned in the UpSat Cycle program, a new initiative emerged: Cosmos Drops.

This project aims to reuse ground-based satellite antennas as morning dew collectors in arid areas, thus transforming end-of-life infrastructure into concrete solutions for access to water.

Cosmos Drops embodies a complementary approach to recycling:

extend the lifespan of infrastructure;
to create a direct impact on populations;
and demonstrate that space assets can be reintegrated into terrestrial uses with high social value.

Aranrod : structuring an industrial recycling sector

In parallel, the work carried out within the framework of UpSat Cycle led to the creation of Aranrod, a commercial spin-off company of Cosmos for Humanity, dedicated to structuring a recycling sector for ground infrastructure in the space sector.

Aranrod 's objective is to:

organize the dismantling and recycling of infrastructure (antennas, radars, launch bases);
structuring a circular industrial value chain;
to address the regulatory, environmental and strategic challenges related to these infrastructures;
and contribute to European industrial sovereignty over these critical assets.

As a spin-off, Aranrod translates the research and analysis work carried out by Cosmos for Humanity into operational and deployable solutions on an industrial scale, serving a circular economy in the space sector.

Follow the program & contribute to the discussion

UpSat Cycle is part of a long-term approach focused on the sustainability of space infrastructures.
The program progresses in stages, in conjunction with its institutional and scientific partners.

To follow its progress or take part in discussions, you can contact us and join our network.

✉️ contact@cosmosforhumanity.org

Recycling & Valorization of Space Materials