Introduction
Los Angeles-based startup Gitai has made significant strides in the field of space robotics with its autonomous robotic arm, S2. The 1.5-meter long arm has successfully completed a series of tasks outside the International Space Station (ISS), marking an important milestone for the company’s mission to reduce labor costs in space.
Background
Gitai CEO Sho Nakanose emphasized the potential for automation in space exploration during an interview with TechCrunch last year. He stated that the company aims to reduce in-space labor costs by 100 times, a feat that has already been achieved in launch costs by providers such as SpaceX. While autonomous robotic systems are not yet ready to replace human labor on Earth, they offer a viable alternative for space-based tasks due to the high costs and risks associated with human presence in space.
Technical Demonstration
The S2 robotic arm was launched to the ISS aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 in January and mounted externally on Nanoracks’ Bishop Airlock. The arm successfully completed several crucial tasks, including installing a task panel, screwing and unscrewing tiny bolts, manipulating flexible material, and attaching and detaching a flexible electric cable to a connector.
Key Tasks Performed by S2
- Installing a task panel: This is an essential step in setting up the infrastructure for future space missions. The panel provides a platform for conducting various experiments and operations.
- Screw and unscrew tiny bolts: These tasks require precision and accuracy, which are typically difficult to achieve with human labor due to the confined environment and lack of visibility.
- Manipulating flexible material: This task involves handling and shaping materials that can be fragile or sensitive. The S2 robotic arm’s dexterity and control enabled it to perform this task effectively.
- Attaching and detaching a flexible electric cable to a connector: This task requires the ability to handle delicate components while maintaining precise control over the attachment and detachment process.
Future Plans
Gitai is targeting on-orbit satellite servicing for spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit. The company is developing robotic satellites capable of performing tasks such as rendezvous, docking, inspection, and de-orbiting.
Key Features of Gitai’s Robotic Satellites
- Rendezvous: This involves navigating the robotic satellite to the target spacecraft.
- Docking: Once in close proximity, the robotic satellite will perform a precise docking maneuver to attach itself to the target spacecraft.
- Inspection: The robotic satellite will conduct a thorough inspection of the target spacecraft to identify any potential issues or damage.
- De-orbiting: After completing its tasks, the robotic satellite will detach from the target spacecraft and perform a controlled re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Gitai plans to start offering on-orbit servicing in 2026. The company has achieved a technology readiness level (TRL) of 7 for both the S2 robotic arm and its ‘inchworm-type’ arm, which is the highest level as designated by NASA.
TRL Scale Explanation
The TRL scale measures the maturity of a technological innovation based on various factors such as design, development, testing, and deployment. The scale ranges from 1 to 9, with higher levels indicating greater maturity.
Conclusion
Gitai’s success in deploying its autonomous robotic arm outside the ISS marks an important milestone for the company’s mission to reduce labor costs in space. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative applications of robotics and automation in space exploration.
About the Author
Aria Alamalhodaei is a reporter covering space and defense at TechCrunch. She has previously written about public utilities and power grid for California Energy Markets. You can find her work on MIT’s Undark Magazine, The Verge, and Discover Magazine.
