Robots has long been a part of science fiction but it was only when back in 1981 Canada volunteered to build a robotic arm that would serve as a workhorse, and help astronauts with challenging and risky tasks in space. It was a dramatic moment that signified an evolution in space robotics. The glorified crane has proven itself more like the space shuttle’s right hand - or maybe its complete right arm, capable of both heavy lifting and an incredibly delicate touch in the past 25 years.
Now, with space robots getting increasingly smarter and more sophisticated, many in the business believe that space servicing will be integral to future missions to the moon, Mars, asteroids and beyond. Space community is in a position to project a vision for the future aspirations in deep space one where man will forge a partnership with machines as he ventures towards the moon, Mars, and beyond he will heavily rely on the robots.
The advanced technologies developed will also have direct application to commercial activities, such as satellite servicing and launch vehicles. Robots will be the early explorers and builders, developing the infrastructure for future manned exploration missions.
However, the space community needs to come over the hurdles with the development of a low mass, low power, and low-cost manipulator capable of operating in these extremely harsh environments.
Via: Spacedaily
