24/7 Space News
ROBO SPACE
GITAI launches autonomous robotic arms for ISS external operations
Mary Murphy, Nanoracks' director of programs, emphasized the transformative potential of S2, noting its capacity to undertake tasks in environments deemed too perilous for human astronauts. The automation and tool-switching capabilities of the robotic system, including the use of screwdriver analogs, represent a leap forward in reducing in-space labor costs and augmenting astronaut safety.
GITAI launches autonomous robotic arms for ISS external operations
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 22, 2024

In a groundbreaking move poised to redefine the dynamics of space station robotics, California's innovative startup, GITAI, has embarked on a mission to test its cutting-edge autonomous robotic arm system, dubbed S2, on the International Space Station (ISS). This technological marvel, consisting of a 1.5-meter long pair of mechanical arms, was transported to the orbiting lab aboard Northrop Grumman's 20th Commercial Resupply Services mission (NG-20) in January, under the auspices of an ISS National Laboratory-sponsored tech development project.

Designed with versatility at its core, the S2 system is engineered to perform a plethora of tasks crucial for in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) activities within the extraterrestrial environment. The forthcoming months are set to witness a series of rigorous demonstrations, where these robotic arms will be operationalized on the station's exterior, leveraging a commercial airlock crafted by Nanoracks-a key player in Voyager Space's Exploration Segment.

The integration of the Nanoracks airlock, a significant addition to the ISS since 2020, is expected to substantially augment the station's capacity for space-based research and technology development. This module facilitates the seamless transfer of payloads between the ISS's internal and external environments, heralding a new era of operational efficiency and scientific exploration.

GITAI's founder and CEO, Sho Nakanose, expressed enthusiasm about the collaborative endeavor, highlighting the pivotal role of the ISS National Lab and Nanoracks in bringing the S2 mission to fruition. Nakanose underscored the demonstration's criticality in validating the operational viability of GITAI's robotics technology, which, upon achieving Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7, would mark a significant milestone towards providing comprehensive in-space servicing and manufacturing solutions to both governmental and commercial entities.

S2 is not GITAI's inaugural foray into space-based robotics. Its predecessor, S1, which was launched in 2021, successfully executed a series of intravehicular activities and space assembly tasks, laying the groundwork for the advanced capabilities showcased by S2. This evolution underscores GITAI's commitment to enhancing the automation and efficiency of space operations, an endeavor that resonates with the ISS's existing reliance on robotic systems such as the European Robotic Arm and Canadarm2 for payload transportation and equipment servicing.

Mary Murphy, Nanoracks' director of programs, emphasized the transformative potential of S2, noting its capacity to undertake tasks in environments deemed too perilous for human astronauts. The automation and tool-switching capabilities of the robotic system, including the use of screwdriver analogs, represent a leap forward in reducing in-space labor costs and augmenting astronaut safety.

More than 20 ISS National Lab-sponsored payloads launched on the NG-20 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on January 30 at 12:07 p.m. EST. To learn about all the ISS National Lab-sponsored research on this mission, please visit our launch page.

Related Links
ISS National Laboratory
All about the robots on Earth and beyond!

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
ROBO SPACE
Musk says Neuralink installs brain implant in first patient
San Francisco (AFP) Jan 29, 2024
Elon Musk on Tuesday said his Neuralink startup had installed a brain implant in its first human patient with "promising" initial results. The neurotechnology company co-founded by Musk in 2016 aims to build direct communication channels between the brain and computers. The ambition is to supercharge human capabilities, treat neurological disorders like ALS or Parkinson's, and maybe one day achieve a symbiotic relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. "The first human received ... read more

ROBO SPACE
From silicon switches to diamond heat conductors engineers have a fix

Virgin Galactic Marks 11th Spaceflight with Full Passenger Manifest

Commercial spaceship set for lunar touchdown, in test for US industry

Millennium Space Systems Partners with Voyager for Next-Gen uSTAR-250 Star Trackers

ROBO SPACE
MITRE and MDC team up to advance at Midland Spaceport

ESA and PLD Space join forces to enhance small satellite launch flexibility

Rocket Lab Schedules Launch Date for 45th Electron Mission to Deploy Earth-Imaging Satellite for Synspective

STORIES of Space teams with Maritime Launch Services for a Nova Scotia launch

ROBO SPACE
Confirmation of ancient lake on Mars builds excitement for Perseverance rover's samples

NASA helicopter's mission ends after three years on Mars

New Year, New images from Perseverance on Mars

Polka Dots and Sunbeams: Sol 4078

ROBO SPACE
BIT advances microbiological research on Chinese Space Station

Shenzhou 18 and 19 crews undertake intensive training for next missions

Space Pioneer and LandSpace Lead China's Private Sector to New Heights in Space

Tianzhou 6 burns up safely reentering Earth

ROBO SPACE
Into the Starfield

Sidus ships LizzieSat to Vandenberg for upcoming SpaceX launch

Sidus Space Advances with LizzieSat Satellites LS-2 and LS-3 Production on Track

UK invests in pioneering Mars and Lunar science with new funding

ROBO SPACE
Sony cuts 900 PlayStation jobs

'I need to fight': UK steelworkers in fear as less pollution means less jobs

Starnote extension by Blues and Skylo promises seamless satellite connectivity for IoT Devices

Rocket Lab Sets Course for Historic In-Space Manufacturing Capsule Return

ROBO SPACE
UC Irvine-led team unravels mysteries of planet formation and evolution in distant solar system

NASA's Hubble Finds Water Vapor in Small Exoplanet's Atmosphere

Passing Stars Altered Orbital Changes in Earth, Other Planets

Scientists Unveil Free-Floating Planetary Giants in the Orion Nebula

ROBO SPACE
NASA invites public to dive into Juno's Spectacular Images of Io

Europa Clipper gears up with full instrument suite onboard

New images reveal what Neptune and Uranus really look like

Researchers reveal true colors of Neptune, Uranus

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.