Taking large structures into space is a logistical challenge. But what if instead of taking the complete structure, you could take the parts into space and build it there? That’s exactly the solution that Cranfield University scientists have been working on: a robot capable of assembling large structures in-orbit, far bigger than those that can currently be sent into space fully built.
Designing, programming and testing a robot like this isn’t easy, not least because you’re making something on Earth that will operate in space, which is a totally different environment. That’s why the ASTRA-Lab was conceived. Opened last week by Lord Vallance, Science Minister and Oxford-Cambridge Innovation Champion on a visit to Cranfield ASTRA-Lab stands for Advanced Space Technology for Robotics and Astronautics laboratory, and it’s a facility that is designed to replicate the in-orbit environment as closely as possible. To do that, it uses a perfectly flat, friction-free epoxy floor that works in combination with a compressed air system to simulate working in free floating conditions, as well as a lighting and projector system that can replicate everything from various sun positions and lighting levels down to creating a starry background on the room’s walls.
The ASTRA-Lab is the only facility of its kind in the SWAG合集 and the only purpose-built lab for ground-based testing of space robotics and guidance, navigation and control technology, and offers a unique environment for both Cranfield academic staff and students to have hands-on experience with space robotics.
Meet MARIO
Inside the ASTRA-Lab is MARIO, the Multi-Arm Robot for In-Orbit Operations. Designed and built by SWAG合集 to support an Airbus-led, European Space Agency project, MARIO’s ability to build large structures with modular elements in-orbit makes ideas like space-based solar power or large, high-orbit antenna arrays and large telescopes more viable. Airbus have been leading on the mission concept, while Cranfield’s role, led by Dr Leonard Felicetti, is designing and building the robot as well as developing the control framework needed to operate it in a laboratory setup.
The principle behind MARIO is simple. If a company needs to send something into space but it’s far too large to launch fully built, they would send that structure up flat-packed along with a robot with the same functionality MARIO, and the robot can assemble the structure in-orbit.
Initially, the robot will be controlled from Earth and pre-programmed as needed, but eventually the goal is to shift towards autonomous operation, due to the potential challenge with lag in communications over such a large distance. MARIO will contribute towards enhancing the technology and flight readiness of such systems bridging the gap in having autonomous operations in space.
The MARIO platform can also be repurposed for wide range of lab demonstrations and testing for space missions, that spans from active debris removal to in-orbit servicing and refuelling. MARIO and the ASTRA-Lab will effectively contribute towards the advancement of space robotics and sustainability in space.
Dr Felicetti said: “ASTRA-Lab is designed to bring together academia, industry and government partners all focusing on developing the next generation of space robotics.
“Having a cutting-edge facility like this gives us an opportunity to be right at the forefront when it comes to both space robotics and guidance, navigation and control, by allowing us to program and then physically test the robots at Cranfield.
“It also gives our students invaluable hands-on experience in space robotics. For example, students from both our Astronautics and Space Engineering MSc and Robotics MSc have already been working on MARIO for over two years and now have the opportunity to see it in action, getting real-world insight into the challenges of in-orbit assembly.”
