NASA’s working on a space robot that can repair satellites
- 7 years ago
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA — In the summer of 2020, NASA will launch the Restore-L, a robotic spacecraft tasked with carrying out maintenance and repair on satellites orbiting earth.
NASA awarded a $127 million contract to California-based Space Systems/Loral build Restore-L, reported Vice’s technology news website Motherboard.
According to information posted on the Restore-L section of NASA Robotic Servicing Mission website, it will navigate Earth’s orbit using a combination of advanced hardware and algorithms at speeds of over 16,000 miles per hour. This technology will allow it to calculate how to connect with a satellite orbiting the earth at the same speed.
Restore-L will use dexterous mechanical arms to service satellites in low earth orbit. This service will reportedly involve a maintenance check and repairs as well as
redeployment of the satellite. The robotic spacecraft could also upgrade satellites and, all-in-all, prolong the lifespan of those already in space.
NASA awarded a $127 million contract to California-based Space Systems/Loral build Restore-L, reported Vice’s technology news website Motherboard.
According to information posted on the Restore-L section of NASA Robotic Servicing Mission website, it will navigate Earth’s orbit using a combination of advanced hardware and algorithms at speeds of over 16,000 miles per hour. This technology will allow it to calculate how to connect with a satellite orbiting the earth at the same speed.
Restore-L will use dexterous mechanical arms to service satellites in low earth orbit. This service will reportedly involve a maintenance check and repairs as well as
redeployment of the satellite. The robotic spacecraft could also upgrade satellites and, all-in-all, prolong the lifespan of those already in space.