[NASA는 국제우주정거장(ISS)에서 자유 비행 로봇 시스템의 운영 및 개선] NASA is reaching out to U.S. companies to gain insight into the operation and improvement of free-flying robotic systems on the International Space Station (ISS). The initiative is part of NASA’s ongoing efforts to advance science, education, and technology in low Earth orbit for broad benefit: AINet

NASA operates and improves free-flight robotic systems on the International Space Station (ISS).

NASA is reaching out to U.S. companies to gain insight into the operation and improvement of free-flight robotic systems on the International Space Station (ISS). The initiative is part of NASA’s ongoing efforts to advance science, education, and technology in low Earth orbit for broad benefit.

The Astrobee system, including the robots Bumble, Honey, and Queen, has played a vital role in supporting technology demonstrations, scientific research, and STEM activities for astronauts and researchers in space since 2018. The cube-shaped robots are designed to perform a variety of tasks in the unique microgravity environment of the ISS.

“Dozens of agencies are working with NASA to use the Astrobee system to test new hardware and software technologies,” said Jose Benavides, project manager for the Astrobee facility at NASA Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley. “We’re excited to hear how respondents think Astrobee can continue to advance robotics in space.”

NASA has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to support its strategic planning efforts. The agency is seeking industry feedback to help guide future developments in robotics in zero gravity to maximize science and exploration outcomes. The deadline for responses is September 27, 2024.

Astrobee robots are battery-powered and use fans for propulsion to navigate the ISS module. They are equipped with lights, cameras, and other sensors to “see” their surroundings. Interchangeable arms allow them to grab objects or stabilize themselves during precision tasks, and magnets help keep them safely docked while recharging.

These robots can operate autonomously or under remote control by astronauts, flight controllers, or ground researchers. They can perform time-consuming tasks such as monitoring the space station, maintenance, inventory, experimental documentation, and cargo movement. This allows astronauts to focus on more complex tasks that require human intervention.

Astrobee’s flexible design has supported thousands of hours of testing in hundreds of microgravity experiments involving astronauts, international research teams, and student teams. The robot is frequently used in competitions, giving students the opportunity to test their programs in space.

One notable project utilizing Astrobee is NASA’s Integrated System for Autonomous and Adaptive Caretaking (ISAAC) initiative. This project explores how robots can assist in maintaining spacecraft and vehicle systems, which could potentially play a significant role in NASA’s Moon-to-Mars plan. The technology could be particularly useful for spacecraft such as the Gateway lunar station and the Mars Transit Vehicle, which can remain unmanned for long periods of time.

“Our ISAAC work demonstrated the technology in a high-fidelity space environment, thanks to the ready availability of a capable Astrobee robot,” said Trey Smith, ISAAC project manager at NASA Ames.

The ISAAC project has achieved several firsts, including the first robotically generated spacecraft interior investigation, the first robotically detected sound source in space (in collaboration with the Bosch USA SoundSee team), and the first autonomous navigation between space station modules. Future robots equipped with ISAAC technology could autonomously manage cargo transport without human assistance or respond to critical problems such as micrometeoroid impacts.

“Through Astrobee, we learned how to fly multiple robots in space with humans,” said Jonathan Barlow, Astrobee project manager at NASA Ames. “Further advancing human-robot technology will pave the way for future manned and unmanned spacecraft maintenance and exploration operations.”

The Astrobee Facility, operated by NASA’s Ames Research Center, continues to provide free-flight robotic systems for ISS research and STEM outreach. The Astrobee program is funded by NASA’s Game Changing Development Program, part of the Space Technology Mission Directorate, with ongoing support from NASA’s International Space Station Utilization Office.