Researchers in the US have developed robots that can service satellites in orbit, writes Nick Flaherty.

The team at the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Naval Centre for Space Technology (NCST) developed and tested the suite of robot hardware and software over the last seven years. The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) Integrated Robotic Payload (IRP) will be integrated with Northrop Grumman’s spacecraft bus, the Mission Robotics Vehicle (MRV), for launch in 2026.

“Our algorithms team developed machine vision, position control, collision avoidance, and compliance control algorithms that support robotics control and enable autonomous grapple capabilities,” said William Vincent, the RSGS programme manager.

Engineers tested all aspects of the payload, including avionics, cameras and lights, and demonstrated all operations, including launch-lock deployments, calibrations and tool changing. The test verified SpaceWire comms and robotic compliance, and visual servo control. Two robot arms with seven motors each give seven degrees of freedom for the repairs.

Dr Glen Henshaw, NRL senior scientist for robotics and autonomous systems, says: “Satellites are the only expensive equipment we buy that can’t be repaired in the field. We intend to demonstrate we can upgrade and repair these valuable assets using robots.”