The in-Space Assembled Telescope

The in-Space Assembled Telescope

I can’t believe that I have never posted anything about this amazing project. NASA pulled together over 50 scientists and engineers, including myself, to consider the following question: “When does it make more sense to build a telescope in orbit,...
NASA video on in-orbit robotic assembly

NASA video on in-orbit robotic assembly

This website is dedicated to explaining, advocating, and developing robotic systems to do more on orbit. What are the benefits? It really couldn’t be said any better than this new video from NASA. One of the most ambitious in-orbit assembly projects being...
New space robotics projects around the world

New space robotics projects around the world

Two new space robotics efforts announced recently: The US company Made in Space is teamed with the Luxembourg Space Agency to develop a new, low-cost, general purpose robotic arm for space applications: Made In Space Europe wins win ESA contract to develop inexpensive...
Without in-orbit servicing, the losses mount

Without in-orbit servicing, the losses mount

Large satellites are “folded up” so they will fit inside their launch vehicle’s fairing (“nose cone”) when they are launched. Things that are folded include the solar panels, which will power the satellite during its life, and antennas,...
The future of worldwide communications?

The future of worldwide communications?

Dr. Casey Handmer, a theoretical physicist by training but a keen thinker in the area of space communications, has written an eloquent essay. In his view, worldwide communications in the near future will boil down to one word: Starlink. Here is the link to the full...