Another device that could speed up the decay of orbiting clutter is the solar sail. Proponents of this technology suggest that a folded-up sail could be attached to satellites, rocket stages, or any other piece of space-going technology. When that technology reaches the end of its working life, the sail would pop open.

Once deployed, these carbon fiber sails would harness solar winds to propel objects back into the Earth's atmosphere. In March of 2010, a working prototype called the Cubesail was revealed by the University of Surrey, and is expected to be tested in a demonstration mission next year. Further afield, researchers say the Cubesail could be sent into orbit to remove existing debris.