Orbital biomanufacturing: the key to space resiliency, operational persistence, and ethical sustainability

Space-based biomanufacturing has historically focused on long-duration crewed and exploration missions, but its greater potential lies in supporting in-space logistics, manufacturing, and servicing in Earth orbit. This article provides a strategic perspective on how shifting investments, policy, and R&D to orbital biomanufacturing could revolutionize defense, commercial, and civil sectors by enhancing supply chain resiliency, operational flexibility, ethical debris management, and commercial viability in Earth orbit.