The CEO of Firefly Space Systems proposed his own way to free space from debris. In his opinion, the failed satellites, the fragments left after the destruction of large vehicles should be sent to Mars by means of solar electric self-propelled tugs.
In addition, the scientist believes, all this may be needed by the future colonizers of the Red Planet, who will be able to build something new and useful from old equipment.
This idea is also supported by significant savings in the delivery of new spare parts from Earth. It will be enough to tow space debris orbiting the planet to Mars – and you can get down to business. Moreover, by combining old consumables with modern ones, the colonizers will be able to get very useful devices that can make life easier for them on Mars.
Even though the idea looks great, the question rests solely on finance: the companies do not yet have funds to create equipment powered by solar energy, and subsequent testing in space. Given that the problem of space debris today is quite acute, joint efforts of all space powers may be required.
