Robots will build an antenna in space

Robots will build an antenna in space

The world is demanding more and more data every year. Communications are a growth area. The growth in Internet bandwidth has been over 20% per year, 26% recently. That’s a tripling of data rate every 5 years. Every type of communications system is going to be...
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 era of satellite servicing is upon us

The era of satellite servicing is upon us

From Space News: “The robotic Mission Extension Vehicle-1 (MEV-1) launched atop a Russian Proton rocket today (Oct. 9) from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 6:17 a.m. EDT (1017 GMT, 4:17 p.m. local Kazakhstan time). MEV-1, which was built by Virginia-based...
Space robotics are happening

Space robotics are happening

A great summary of the current projects: https://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/aerospace/satellites/how-nasa-will-grapple-and-refuel-a-satellite-in-low-earth-orbit It looks like DARPA’s RSGS and NASA’s Restore-L will both get to orbit in 2022. RSGS is headed...