Tractor beams inspired by sci-fi are real, and could solve the looming space junk problem

Scientists are developing a real-life "tractor beam" that could help solve Earth's space junk problem. The electrostatic tractor uses an electron gun to give dead satellites a negative charge while keeping the servicer spacecraft positively charged, creating attraction that allows touchless debris removal from 65-100 feet away. Unlike physical removal methods that risk creating more debris, this approach could safely pull defunct satellites into graveyard orbits, though the process would take over a month per satellite and cost tens of millions of dollars to develop.