Environmentally-friendly technology is often considered the "highest" of the high-tech. This is because it is extremely difficult to match the performance of older devices using technology that is safe, does not release toxic materials and can be refurbished after its lifecycle is complete. For example hybrid-electric cars, wind turbine generators, hydrogen fuel cells, photovoltaics, heliostats, OTEC generators, recyclable computers, non-toxic cleaning solutions, re-grindable plastics, etc.

Re-usability is a measure of efficiency, perhaps the most important one. If mankind is to set both feet on another planet then we need to be able to recycle the most complex machine parts, the spacecraft themselves. This includes the engines, the frame, landing gear, composite seals, bearings, lubricants, electrodes, circuit boards, fasteners, etc

And we need to be able to do it while in space! This goes beyond merely manufacturing them. This could be the first form of manufacturing attempted in space: the creation of a "Space Recycled Materials Feedstock".

Maybe we could send a mission up to recycle a few satellites orbiting the earth - and I don't mean just bring it back down...

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