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?...
DARPA looking for a new partner in space robotics

DARPA looking for a new partner in space robotics

A couple of weeks ago, we posted that DARPA’s partner for the RSGS program had pulled out, citing financial challenges: https://spacenews.com/ssl-cancels-darpa-satellite-servicer-agreement/ DARPA has reacted quickly by reaching out to the US aerospace industry for a...