DARPA has devised a system to recycle $300 billion worth of orbiting dead satellites into a zombie antenna array. The Phoenix system consists of a primary Tender/Servicer satellite and multiple smaller mini-satellites called “Satlets” The Satlets pack only the most essential control systems necessary, eschewing bulkier frames and expensive antennas. It could help lighten the cover of dead satellites and space junk that’s orbiting the planet. “If this program is successful, space debris becomes space resource,” says DARPA Director Regina Dugan.”]
Source: https://gizmodo.com/darpa-wants-to-hack-together-old-satellites-into-new-sa-5851940