The components of a space robot are carefully designed, tested, and integrated to create robots capable of performing specific tasks in the challenging environment of space.
From exploring planets to maintaining the International Space Station (ISS), space robots use specialized technologies and components specifically adopted to the gravity-less harsh environment of space.
One of these specialized components regards space robot communication systems. Space robots need reliable communication systems to receive commands from Earth and transmit data back. These systems are often designed to work with specific frequencies and protocols used in space missions.
Materials and power systems have also been created with space robots in mind.
Space robots utilize various power sources such as solar panels, batteries, or radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) for prolonged missions where sunlight might not be readily available.
The materials used in space robotics need to withstand extreme temperatures, radiation, vacuum, and other harsh conditions found in space.
Traditional space robots primarily utilize rigid structures, resulting in limited degrees of freedom, which restricts their operational capabilities. In contrast, soft robots with greater flexibility and robustness are likely required for future space exploration. Soft robots applied in space environments must overcome significant challenges associated with ultrahigh vacuum, microgravity, extreme temperatures, and high‐energy radiation.
The space robot field calls for collaborative efforts between physicists, chemists, biologists, computer scientists, engineers, and other specialists to work toward this common objective.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers Overview of Space Robotics, a 2-day course where participants will gain a thorough understanding of space robotics, including its history and evolution.
Those in attendance will also learn about key technologies and components used in space robotic systems as well as explore the challenges and opportunities in space robotics applications.
Tonex offers a good selection of courses in Robotic Engineering designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field. These hard-to-find courses include:
Industrial Robotics Essentials Training
Robotics Engineering for Managers
Biomedical Engineering and Robotic Engineering Training
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Training
For more information, questions, comments, contact us