SPACE ROBOTICS

PRESENTED BY

ABHINAV PRASAD

S7 ME

What is space robotics?

Space Robotics is the development of machines for the space environment that perform Exploration, or to Assemble/Construct, Maintain, or Service other hardware in Space.

Humans generally control space robots locally (e.g. Space Shuttle robotic arm) or from a great distance (e.g. Mars Exploration Rovers.

 

SPACE ROBOTS

ADVANTAGES:

Perform tasks less expensively, sooner, and/or with less risk or more delicate "touch" than with human

astronauts. Go where people can’t go (within reason), and for

long durations. Space is a hazardous environment. Access to space is expensive. Robots don't need to return to Earth (which can be

very costly).

 AREAS OF APPLICATION

1. In-orbit positioning and assembly

2. Operation

3. Maintenance

4. Resupply

The following examples give specific applications 

Scientific experimentation: 

Conduct experimentation in space labs that may include• Metallurgical experiments which may be hazardous.• Astronomical observations.• Biological experiments.

Assist crew in space station assembly

• Assist in deployment and assembly out side the station.• Assist crew inside the space station: Routine crew functions inside the space station and maintaining life support system.

Space servicing functions.• Refueling.• Replacement of faulty modules.• Assist jammed mechanism say a solar panel, antenna etc. Space craft enhancements.• Replace payloads by an upgraded module.• Attach extra modules in space.

SPACE TUG

• Grab a satellite and effect orbital transfer.

• Efficient transfer of satellites from low earth orbit to geostationary orbit.

SPACE ROBOT—CHALLENGES IN DESIGN AND TESTING

1.ZERO ‘G’ EFFECT ON DESIGN

2.VACUUM EFFECT AND THERMAL EFFECT

3. OTHER FACTORS

4.SPACE MODULAR MANIPULATORS

STRUCTURE OF SPACE ROBOTS

DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE OF SPACE ROBOTThe proposed robot is of articulated type with 6 degrees of freedom (DOF).

The robot consists of two arms i.e. an upper arm and a lower arm. The upper arm is fixed to the base and has rotational DOF about pitch and yaw axis. The lower arm is connected to the upper arm by a rotary joint about the pitch axis

DISCRIPTION OF SUBSYSTEMS

The main subsystems in the development of the manipulator arm are 

1.Joints

2.Arm

3. Wrist

4.Gripper

SPACE SHUTTLE ROBOT ARM

1.USE OF SHUTTLE ROBOT ARM

2.ROBOT ARM OPERATION MODE

3. HOW SPACE SHUTTLE ROBOT ARM GRASPS OBJECT

4. FREE FLYING SPACE ROBOTS

5. SPACE STATION MOUNTED ROBOTS

6. SPACE ROBOT TELEOPERATION

Future Directions

Planetary rovers that can operate many days without commands, and can approach and analyze science targets from a substantial distance with only a single command.

Robots that can Assemble/Construct, Maintain, and Service space hardware using very precise force control, dexterous hands, despite multi-second time delay.

 

CONCLUSION

In the future, robotics will make it possible for billions of people to have lives of leisure instead of the current preoccupation with material needs. There are hundreds of millions who are now fascinated by space but do not have the means to explore it. For them space robotics will throw open the door to explore and experience the universe. 

THANK YOU