Factories-in-space for servicing, assembly, & manufacturing

Abstract

Space 2.0 is a promising frontier for scientific exploration and the advancement of commerce, security, and technology [1]. To effectively harness this potential, it is imperative to establish a multifunctional, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure that enables the maintenance and production of space-based systems. This capability is a driver for mission success on-orbit and for interplanetary travel to other celestial bodies. Central to this infrastructure is the establishment of orbital manufacturing facilities, referred to as 'factories-in-space' (FiS) [2], which serve as critical nodes in the supply chain for the servicing, assembly, and production of systems essential for space-based operations. This paper presents a framework for understanding the key principles and design considerations underpinning FiS.