A Systematic Review of Circularity and Sustainability Strategies in the Space Industry

This study presents a systematic analysis of circular economy (CE) and sustainability strategies in the space industry. Based on a comprehensive literature review across Scopus, IEEE Xplore and Web of Science, it identifies current and future needs as well as digital technology and organizational demands for implementing circularity in space systems. Findings reveal that established CE strategies are scarcely applied to space missions, while digitalization efforts mainly focus on system optimization. Furthermore, the most relevant CE strategies for the space industry were determined. Future research should explore the transfer of proven CE approaches from terrestrial industries beyond the Kármán line and assess the potential of orbital resource loops.