Ajeet Kumar
- Dec 17, 2022
- 6 min read

How do robots work in Space?- Abhiexo

Updated: Dec 18, 2022

As the world revolves too fast and so are Robots and AI (Artificial Intelligence).NASA continues to create or experiment with robots that can be used in outer space. With advanced technology, robots can travel in outer space and deliver information that is necessarily helpful. They believe that robots can be as useful as humans in different ways.

All space robots have various types but also have similarities, which comprise a power source, controller, actuators, sensors, and a radio communication unit. The controller processes the data and control instructions transmit the command signals to the actuators, and these sensors gather data about the robot and its surroundings. More of these tests and activities are now being assigned to robots rather than living beings as robotic technology advances, preserving lives in the process.

What is Space Exploration?

Space Exploration is a way to collect data and information from outer space. Astronomy and space technology are used in space exploration to learning more about the universe, sending humans or machines into space to explore other planets and asteroids. Unmanned robotic space missions and human spaceflight are both utilized to physically explore space, while astronomers use telescopes to do so. More than merely putting people into orbit and returning has been done in the name of space exploration also robotic probes that investigate our solar system have also been practiced.

Space exploration has several advantages. In addition to discovering new planets and learning about black holes, we have also learned a great deal about the unknowns of space. Exploration in space is a crucial task that benefits both our society and humankind as a whole in many ways. We might be able to advance space exploration by making it more affordable, simple, and quick with the help of AI.

What Robotics Are Used By NASA?

Photo by Pixabay

Robots are developed by NASA in a variety of ways such as large things can be moved in space using robotic arms on spacecraft. The space shuttle’s robotic "Canadarm" can deploy or retrieve satellites, space station and shuttle arms collaborate to construct or build the station. A controller interface unit, a display screen with hand controls, and a manipulator robot arm make up the fundamental Canadarm system. Other planets can be visited by space robotics using spacecraft and that robotic aircraft are capable of taking off without a pilot. NASA is researching various new robot types that are surely beneficial to people and space.

NASA developing new robots to gather information from space. One of these is Mars Rover, which collects evidence of elements that possibly make life. According to scientists, there is a chance that life once existed on Mars. This new rover has the latest equipment and a different purpose directly looking for traces of previous life on Mars. In the future, researchers intend to use a robot for indications of life on frozen bodies around the solar system. For instance, the moon of Saturn, Enceladus, or Europa's subterranean waters on Jupiter's moon.

A-PUFFER, which stands for Autonomous Pop-Up Flat Folding Explorer Robot, is the moniker given to one of the newest robots. This little, two-wheeled traveler was modeled from origami patterns. The robot has the ability to flatten itself down and crouch down to explore small spaces. The foldable A-PUFFER was created to scout areas on the Moon and provide information about places that may be challenging for astronauts to study on foot, such as difficult-to-reach craters and constricting caves. The most recent robot in the PUFFER series has an improved onboard computer, a wireless radio for communication, and a stereo camera to sense its surroundings.

The buoyant rover for under-ice exploration is called BRUIE. This robot can take images and gather data while floating in the water and rolling its wheels down the underside of an icy surface. At Australia’s Casey research station in Antarctica, BRUIE’s capability was put to the test in anticipation of a mission that might one day look for life in ocean worlds other than Earth.

Parker Solar Probe, NASA’S first spacecraft to touch the sun. In order to give humanity the closest-ever observations of a star, Parker Solar Probe enters the Sun's atmosphere, coming closer to the surface than any spacecraft before it. This requires it to endure extreme heat and radiation. The intention is to assist astronomers and scientists in exploring the solar system's core in more detail and learning more about the events that led to its formation.

How Do Robots Travel In Space?

Robots has these special abilities that truly useful especially to the space exploration. Robots are spacecraft that travel to faraway planets like the moon or Mars for exploration. On other planets, these include rovers, landers, and orbiters. These space-based robots conduct research on planets. The Cassini spacecraft is an example of this type of robot; Cassini investigates Saturn, its moons, and its rings while the Voyager and Pioneer spacecraft have now exploring our solar system. Computers and large antennas are used by people to communicate with spacecraft. The robots feature antennas that allow them to receive messages and transmit instructions to their computers then the robot will next carry out the instructions.

NASA uses robots to study the solar system and the cosmos. All robotic spacecraft are used to investigate other planets like the moon and Mars. It is way convenient to send robots to conduct space exploration.

How Does NASA Make Use of Robotic Aircraft?

NASA deploys an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), that do not require pilot on board. Some UAVs are controlled remotely by ground-based pilots while others can fly independently with just a few brief instructions. Without endangering human lives, the planes may examine risky locations, for instance, to photograph a volcano. UAVs can be smaller or lighter than they would be with a pilot inside because they do not carry a pilot.

Does Robots Help Astronauts?

Robots have this significant role in the space helping humans when it comes to exploration. NASA is creating new space-supporting robots called Robonaut to help astronauts in any ways possible. Robonaut resembles a person's upper body. It has arms, a head, and a chest, and Robonaut could operate independently outside a spacecraft. It might carry out tasks similar to those carried out by astronauts during spacewalks. Robonaut could work on a different world if it had wheels or another means of propulsion. Robonaut might support explorers on Mars or the Moon. From operating on the International Space Station to discovering new worlds, robonaut could be the best assistant. The space station has welcomed a Robonaut, it has returned to Earth for improvements and will head back to the station.

SPHERES (Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites), is another robotic concept. These tiny robots resemble soccer balls in several ways. On the space station, SPHERES are being used to assess their mobility. Robots might one day fly around the space station assisting the astronauts.

Furthermore, NASA is looking at the prospect of other robots. The station's robotic arm, for instance, might be scaled down and deployed inside. Such a robot could be useful in an emergency. A surgeon on Earth may direct the robotic arm to perform surgery on an astronaut in the event of major injury. Additionally useful for Earth, this technology doctors could provide assistance to people in far-off places using their knowledge and skills.

Robots over Humans in Space Exploration

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Robot are getting increasingly clever and are already capable of performing many task that once required humans.

There are many factors that differ from robots and humans from its natural intelligence to its physical structures. This believe that using robot in space exploration is way cheaper than sending humans. For instance, robots do not require necessity that humans need to survive like food, sleep, and bathroom essentials. Robots can survive longer in space than humans, in this way they can gathered more information and can investigate further without worrying their safety.

In addition, robots are capable of many tasks that humans are not. Some can tolerate extreme environments, such as high radiation levels or frigid temperatures. Robots can be designed to perform tasks that would be too dangerous or impractical for astronauts to perform.

Does NASA develop a human like robot?

Definitely, yes! This refers to humanoid robots. Some duties may be best performed by a robot that moves more like a person. For instance, a humanoid robot could assist in setting up a future human community on Mars. The R5 or Valkyrie robot was created by NASA's Johnson Space Center with duties like these in mind.

This electric robot is powered and controlled by numerous motors, cameras, sensors, and two computers. These devices aid R5 in moving like a human and navigating its surroundings, Robots are a key component of space exploration.

In conclusion, as technology advances, we can expect a better future in any way possible. After all, we all want the best for everyone, especially for the next generation. Who knows maybe the best invention will come from that generation to change the whole world for its betterment.