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The NASA Astrobee

Courtesy: Flight Engineer David Saint-Jacques

Courtesy: Anne McClain

It turns out that astronauts could use some help with their chores, just like many of us on Earth. Juggling priorities and schedules plays a big part in an astronaut’s life aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and teams of flight controllers on the ground are constantly working to optimize the precious human work hours in space. Getting some assistance from robots that can take on some tasks will make work on the station more efficient. 

Astrobee, NASA’s new free-flying robotic system, will help astronauts reduce time they spend on routine duties, leaving them to focus more on the things that only humans can do. Working autonomously or via remote control by astronauts, flight controllers or researchers on the ground, the robots are designed to complete tasks such as taking inventory, documenting experiments conducted by astronauts with their built-in cameras or working together to move cargo throughout the station. In addition, the system serves as a research platform that can be outfitted and programmed to carry out experiments in microgravity - helping us to learn more about how robotics can benefit astronauts in space.

DESCRIPTIONS

The Astrobee system consists of three cubed-shaped robots, software and a docking station used for recharging. The robots use electric fans as a propulsion system that allows them to fly freely through the microgravity environment of the station. Cameras and sensors rnables them to see and navigate their environments. The robots also carry a perching arm that allows them to grasp station handrails in order to conserve energy or to grab and hold items.

USE

Guest scientists will be able to use Astrobee to carry out investigations that will help to develop technology – both hardware and software – for future missions. Since the robots are modular and can be upgraded, the system gives researchers and scientists diverse capabilities for performing a wide range of experiments inside the station.

Robots will play a significant part in the agency’s mission to return to the moon as well as other deep space missions. Robots such as Astrobee, have the capacity to become caretakers for future spacecraft, working to monitor and keep systems operating smoothly while crew are away.

QUICK FACTS:

  • The three robots are named Honey, Queen and Bumble.
  • The robots are shaped like cubes 12.5 inches wide.
  • When needed, the robots can also return to their docking station and recharge their battery power.
  • Each robot also carries a perching arm that allows it to grasp station handrails in order to conserve energy or to assist astronauts.

PARTNERS:

The Astrobee system was designed and built at NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley for use inside the International Space Station. The project was funded by the Game Changing Development program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and the Advanced Exploration Systems program, part of the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate.

Thanks for reading, hope you could understand and what I could get from source. If any complaint or dissatisfaction Please Comment.

Courtesy: nasa.gov

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