Work on DARPA’s robotic payload continues

Work on DARPA’s robotic payload continues

DARPA’s program for Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites received a severe blow on January 30, when its partner SSL, the satellite manufacturing arm of Maxar Technologies, pulled out of the partnership, citing fiscal woes. Fortunately, DARPA continues...
How to mine the Moon for fun and profit

How to mine the Moon for fun and profit

There is water on the Moon. After years of encouraging scientific data, this summer the finding was conclusive. Analysis of data from the Indian satellite Chandrayaan-1 proved it. What good is water on the Moon? As someone once said, “In the desert, gold is...
Yet more lunar goings-on

Yet more lunar goings-on

Most people know about China’s historic landing on the far side of the Moon–Chang’E-4 and its rover Yutu-2. Here’s a recent update: http://www.leonarddavid.com/international-experiments-on-chinas-farside-mission-gathering-good-data/ Did you...
A lunar industrial vision

A lunar industrial vision

Both the US and China are putting plans for going to the Moon in high gear. Eventually, this is so that the Moon becomes a source of economic activity. Lunar resources, like water and metals, can support sustainable human presence on the Moon.  They can also lower the...
Software: the “invisible hand” of space robotics

Software: the “invisible hand” of space robotics

Whenever robotics are discussed, we see fascinating pictures of the hardware—hands, joints, humanoids, and so on. My recent articlein Room, the European Space Journal, is no exception. But here’s an important thing to think about: how is that hardware CONTROLLED?...