Issue Biological fibres as a space-debris answer

Summary

This opportunity proposes biological fibres as part of the answer to space debris. Materials used in orbit are chosen to survive extreme heat, radiation and impacts, yet they cannot adapt when conditions change. About 83% of orbital debris sits in low Earth orbit, 73% of it from satellites and rocket bodies, and a 10 cm fragment at orbital speed carries the destructive energy of a 250 kg object at highway speed. The report suggests bamboo fibre, basalt fibre and spider silk could be built into space-grade composites through genetic engineering and additive manufacturing, drawing on their strength, heat tolerance and elasticity. Paired with AI sensors that detect and repair damage, such composites could yield satellites that heal themselves in service and then biodegrade once their mission ends.