NASA and DARPA cooperate in the development of robots for satellite maintenance
The robotics project, which aims to keep military satellites in orbit up to date, will be supported by NASA in future.
Two robotic arms form the heart of the system, which is designed to service satellites with robots.
(Image: Naval Research Laboratory)
The US space agency NASA and the military research arm of the US Department of Defense, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), have agreed to pool their knowledge to develop and test robots for servicing geostationary satellites. These are primarily satellites that ensure communication and are used for military tasks, meteorology and other important functions, NASA announced.
Specifically, it is about the DARPA program "Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites" (RSGS). It comprises the development, integration, testing and demonstration of a service robot that will be able to inspect, repair and upgrade satellites in Earth orbit.
According to a press release, NASA will provide its expertise, which the agency has already gathered in the "On-orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing" project and other projects. DARPA intends to use this to accelerate the RSGS project.
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Core components already created
DARPA has already created two initial movable robotic arms for the inspection and maintenance of satellites. The control electronics, suitable tools and additional hardware are also ready. They have already been tested for use in an orbital environment.
DARPA is to remain in charge of the RSGS project.
(olb)
