Chinese startup Sustain Space tested its flexible robotic arm through simulated orbital tasks, successfully verifying four modes of operation during the technology demonstration, according to a company statement. The relatively flexible robot is made of a series of spring-like tubes, allowing it to bend or twist in a variety of ways to refuel and repair spacecraft, as well as move space debris out of the way.
Need a hand?
Sustain Space’s Ziyuan-0 satellite was launched on March 16 on a Kuaizhou-11 rocket from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The satellite is equipped with a flexible robotic arm designed to carry out complex orbital operations.
During its time in space, engineers put the robotic arm through the wringer. The flexible robot performed a range of simulated tasks, including ground-controlled, autonomous and vision-guided refueling simulations, as well as force-compliant manipulation and precision control.
“The satellite has successfully completed all on-orbit operations of its flexible robotic arm, marking a solid step forward for China’s commercial aerospace industry in the field of on-orbit space services,” Sustain Space wrote in a translated statement.
The robot is designed with a hollow arm made of a series of spring-like tubes that connect to each other, as well as motors that allow it to pull on cables.
robotic services
The space industry has some robotic limbs that perform important tasks in orbit, such as assembling spacecraft, assisting astronauts, and maintaining satellites.
The 57-foot-tall (17 m) Canadarm2 is attached to the International Space Station (ISS) and helps transfer supplies to spacecraft, dock spacecraft, and perform support tasks during spacewalks. The European Robotic Arm (ERA) is the first robot capable of “walking” around the Russian segment of the ISS, designed with elbows, shoulders and even wrists. Japan’s Experiment Module Remote Manipulator System, also known as Kibo, supports experiments conducted on the ISS.
China’s flexible robotic arm is the first of its kind, designed primarily for the purpose of supporting the sustainability of the space industry through operations in orbit. Other space startups are looking to develop similar types of in-orbit servicing, using different technologies. The recent demonstration of the Bendy robot highlights the Chinese space industry’s progress toward maintaining orbiting spacecraft.
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