NASA seeks input to operate cube-shaped flying robot fleet aboard ISS

NASA has issued a Request for Information to inform strategic planning; the last date for the same is September 27, 2024. 

NASA’s free-flying robotic system

Astrobee helps astronauts reduce time they spend on routine duties, leaving them to focus more on the things that only humans can do. 

They can work autonomously or via remote control by astronauts, flight controllers or researchers on the ground. They can carry out tasks such as taking inventory, documenting experiments conducted by astronauts with their built-in cameras or working together to move cargo throughout the station. 

Moreover, they also serve as a research platform which can be used to carry out experiments in microgravity – which can also benefit science in the long run.

Earlier this year, the multi-resolution scanner (MRS) project aimed to utilize NASA’s Astrobee system to test a novel 3D mapping technology that can produce detailed maps of remote environments.

The MRS uses advanced photogrammetry software named Stereo-Depth Fusion and CSIRO’s 3D SLAM technology, dubbed Wildcat. These cutting-edge tools empower the scanner to autonomously map, analyze, and navigate its surroundings.

Astrobee’s free-flying robots use electric fans as a propulsion system that allows them to fly through the microgravity environment of the International Space Station.

They use cameras and sensors to help them get aware and navigate their surroundings.

The robots also have a perching arm that allows them to grasp station handrails in order to conserve energy or to grab and hold items.

Astrobee – in space and beyond

Astrobee was built on the basis of lessons learned from the Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellite (SPHERES) robots.

“Dozens of institutions collaborate with NASA to use the Astrobee system to test new hardware and software technologies,” said Jose Benavides, project manager for the Astrobee facilities at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley.

“I’m excited to hear how respondents think Astrobee can continue to advance robotics in space.”

Going forward, robots will play a huge role in space exploration and Astrobee is emerging as an important platform for testing how many activities they can carry out in the days ahead.

NASA also believes that it will be a key factor in the agency’s planned missions to the moon and more deep space missions.

As of today, it is expected that the Astrobee units will be serviceable well past 2030. The software continues to be updated and is also expected to be maintainable past 2030. 

Under this new scheme, guest scientists will be able to use Astrobee to carry out investigations that will help to develop technology – both hardware and software – for future missions.