ASTRO is a satellite repairing robot which is launched by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Project). ASTRO is formed by a pair of satellite and it is designed such that they can patch up other satellite without the guidance of human being. ASTRO relies on its integrated GPS and laser sensor to do its repairing task. Once ASTRO is docked with the targeted ailing satellite, ASTRO will use a 10-foot robotic arm to fill the satellite with fuel and make repairs. Besides that, another mission of ASTRO other than repairing the satellite is providing an orbital boost to the satellite as to allow the recon satellites to maintain position longer.
The introduction of this robotic satellite repairing system eases the job of satellite repairing. However, this robotic system is still under testing. If this system is proved to be stable, there is not needed for astronauts to risk their life in repairing satellite or even spacecraft anymore. ASTRO don't need any interaction with human unless there's a problem with the sensors, passive detection systems, and computer software requiring mission control to intervene.
In my opinion, by improving this satellite repairing robot and minimize its size, astronauts can even carrying them on the spacecraft and use this repairing robot when necessary.
Reference [1]http://www.japan.engadget.com/2007/03/09/autonomous-repair-robots-launched-into-space/ [2]http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/robots/astro-becomes-first-robotic-satellite-repair-man-243532.php
Yong See Wei U048661X
8 comments:
The idea of having such a system is effective in the sense that the repair ing platform is already in space and is able to provide prompt service. However I doubt that it is able to do all repairs as I don't believe that it can reach every corner of the satallite. Maybe in the future, a small repair robot can be incorporated with the platform and access every corner of the satallite.
Feng Junwei Benjamin
U046064E
Maneuvring in space by autonomous robot alone is already an extremely difficult task, but I am wondering how the robot can know how to repair the satelite by its own? Thus far, we see that even with complex neutral networks, robots cannot think like human, how could then the robot knows which part of the satelite is faulty. Or is it only a case where images are taken, fedback and control passed on by humans remotely?
U036039B Kim Choon Ming, Alvin
Considering how risky it is for astronauts to repair a satellite, this is a welcome move by DARPA.
Apart from that advantage, ASTRO also acts as a mechanic and filling station for NextSat, transferring hydrazine fuel to the target satellite while it is docked. Unlike filling up the fuel in the ground, it is much tougher to fill up fuel tank when in space because bubbles form in the fluid. So there are pistons in place to push the fluid to its target location.
Thats a very useful, isnt it?!
The above post was mine.
Considering how risky it is for astronauts to repair a satellite, this is a welcome move by DARPA.
Apart from that advantage, ASTRO also acts as a mechanic and filling station for NextSat, transferring hydrazine fuel to the target satellite while it is docked. Unlike filling up the fuel in the ground, it is much tougher to fill up fuel tank when in space because bubbles form in the fluid. So there are pistons in place to push the fluid to its target location.
Thats a very useful, isnt it?!
Balasubramanian Prasanna
U045872U
This robotic system is currently under testing and its real performance is unknown. It is true that as the robot is repairing the satellite using a robotic arm, it might not reach some corner of a satellite.
The above post is post by me
This robotic system is currently under testing and its real performance is unknown. It is true that as the robot is repairing the satellite using a robotic arm, it might not reach some corner of a satellite.
Just like other robot's brain, the method of repairing is preset. Some control and feedback is used to ensure the repairing to be done properly.
Yong See Wei U048661X
There are currently numerous satellites in space and many industries and companies are dependant on these satellites for proper communications capabilites.Hence,if one fails or malfunctions,it must be quickly repaired to prevent major loss in efficiency down on earth.Therefore, having these robots in space saves a lot of time in getting to the satellite and is also a chaeper alternative than sending a manned rocket into space.
This is really cool. I have only seen it before from movies!
Let's imagine a robot working in the space... So this robot must be able to overcome the weight, temperature, other difficulties in the space area. Meanwhile, it must be similar to Honda's ASIMO, which is able to perform simple tasks by arms and legs. If this technology has great improvement, it is definitely good news for those space researchers.
Yang Kai U036508R
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