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University of Utah mechanical engineering professor Jake J. Abbott is leading a team of researchers that has discovered a method to manipulate orbiting debris with spinning magnets. With this technology, robots could one day gently maneuver the scrap to a decaying orbit or further out into space without actually touching it, or they could repair malfunctioning objects to extend their life. Space debris mitigation is a growing problem without a solution, and the objects are travelling so fast that impact of even a small piece of debris with a valuable asset can render it useless. This technology allows moving the objects 'in six degrees of movement, including rotating them', as well as 'control where the debris goes without physically grabbing it.' The tactical value of space assets continues to grow, and being able to control them without contact could be a valuable capability.