Abstract
In Low Earth Orbit (LEO), human activities have increased the amount of orbital debris alongside naturally orbiting micrometeoroids, significantly impacting this environment. This poses a significant threat to long-term space structures and human space operations, as high-speed collisions with debris and meteoroids can result in serious consequences. Addressing this challenge falls within the domain of On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (OSAM), which includes activities such as debris detection, docking, mooring, and collision avoidance. Establishing an In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) factory in LEO, capable of using existing materials to produce components, assemblies, and services directly in space, holds promise for reducing orbital debris, extending space missions as well as spacecraft and satellite lifecycles. In addition, such a system could reduce logistical dependencies between ground-based and on-board systems. This paper reviews the implementation of ISM systems in LEO and outlines various strategies for managing space debris. The findings suggest that an ISM system equipped to detect, collect, process, and store debris, meteoroids, and decommissioned spacecraft is consistent with the principles of digital servitization, Industry 4.0, and data-driven circular manufacturing.