Space debris can be turned into space resource when a new program that seeks to recycle still-functioning pieces of defunct satellites into usable satellite parts or even a completely new spacecraft gets into the works.

The United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has started a program called Phoenix that seeks for ways to recycle space junk thousands of miles above the Earth.

According to DARPA director Regina Dugan, if the Phoenix program becomes successful, space debris becomes space resource.

The problem of space debris, which is an accumulation of defunct satellites, spent rocket stages and other junk in orbit, is getting serious.The U.S. National Research Council said there is so much junk up there that collisions among debris pieces could start to increase exponentially, leading to an ever-growing mound of rubble in orbit.

With the Phoenix program, a robot mechanic-like vehicle will be used to snag usable antennas from the many retired and dead satellites in geosynchronous orbit and attach them to smaller "satlets," or nanosatellites, launched from Earth.

DARPA officials said if the project works, it would mean big savings for the military for launch costs. Antennas are big and bulky, requiring a lot of fuel to get off the ground, while lofting the antenna-less "satlets" would be much cheaper, the officials said.

In connection with this program, DARPA is calling on the expertise of scientists and engineers since Phoenix will require the development of new technologies.

"Satellites in GEO are not designed to be disassembled or repaired, so it's not a matter of simply removing some nuts and bolts," said David Barnhart, DARPA's Phoenix program manager.

"This requires new remote imaging and robotics technology and special tools to grip, cut, and modify complex systems, since existing joints are usually molded or welded."

According to DARPA officials, the Phoenix program is also looking for technologies to help develop a new class of satlets that can be launched more economically to geosynchronous orbit via existing ride-along services with commercial satellites.

The agency plans to host two industry days next month for scientists and engineers interested in pitching ideas for the Phoenix program.