NASA invites industry input on Astrobee space robotics
The Astrobee system, which includes the robots "Bumble," "Honey," and "Queen," has been integral to assisting astronauts and researchers with technology demonstrations, scientific studies, and STEM activities in space since 2018. These cube-shaped robots are designed to perform a variety of tasks in the unique microgravity environment of the ISS.
"Dozens of institutions collaborate with NASA to use the Astrobee system to test new hardware and software technologies," explained Jose Benavides, project manager for the Astrobee facilities at NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley. "I'm excited to hear how respondents think Astrobee can continue to advance robotics in space."
NASA has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to support strategic planning efforts. The agency is seeking industry feedback to help guide the future development of robotics in zero gravity, with the aim of maximizing scientific and exploration outcomes. Responses are due by Sept. 27, 2024.
The Astrobee robots are powered by batteries and navigate the ISS modules using electric fans for propulsion. They are equipped with lights, cameras, and other sensors to "see" their surroundings. Their interchangeable arms allow them to hold objects or stabilize themselves during tasks that require precision, and magnets help them remain securely docked when recharging.
These robots operate autonomously or under the remote control of astronauts, flight controllers, or ground-based researchers. They can take on time-consuming tasks such as space station monitoring, maintenance, inventory, experiment documentation, and cargo movement. This allows astronauts to focus on more complex tasks that require human intervention.
Astrobee's flexible design has supported thousands of hours of testing across hundreds of microgravity experiments, involving both astronauts and international researchers and student teams. The robots are frequently used in competitions, providing students the opportunity to test their programs in space.
One notable project utilizing Astrobee is NASA's ISAAC (Integrated System for Autonomous and Adaptive Caretaking) initiative. This project has explored how robots could assist with spacecraft and vehicle system maintenance, potentially playing a key role in NASA's Moon-to-Mars plans. The technology could be especially beneficial for spacecraft like the Gateway lunar station and Mars transit vehicles, which may be uncrewed for extended periods.
"Our ISAAC work has proved out its technology in a high-fidelity space environment because of the ready availability of the capable Astrobee robots," stated Trey Smith, project manager for ISAAC at NASA Ames.
The ISAAC project has achieved several firsts, including the first robot-generated interior survey of a spacecraft, the first robot-detected sound source in space (in collaboration with the Bosch USA SoundSee team), and the first autonomous navigation between space station modules. Future robots equipped with ISAAC technology could autonomously manage cargo transfers or respond to critical issues like micrometeoroid impacts, all without human assistance.
"With Astrobee, we've learned about flying multiple robots in space alongside humans," said Jonathan Barlow, project manager for Astrobee at NASA Ames. "Further developing human-robotic technology will pave the way for future crewed and uncrewed spacecraft maintenance and exploration tasks done by robots both off-planet and in deep space."
The Astrobee Facility, operated by NASA's Ames Research Center, continues to provide a free-flying robotic system for ISS research and STEM outreach. The Astrobee program is funded by NASA's Game Changing Development Program, part of the Space Technology Mission Directorate, with ongoing support from NASA's International Space Station Utilization Office.
To learn more about the Request for Information, visit here.