Researchers from the University of Lincoln have tested the feasibility of the robot for the in-space assembly of a 25m 'Large Aperture Space Telescope' (LAST), while a scaled-down prototype also showed promise for large construction applications on Earth.
Maintenance and servicing of large constructions is difficult in space because the conditions are extreme and human technology has a short lifespan. Due to the high risk factor, total reliance on human builders is not enough and current technologies are becoming outdated.
“We need to introduce sustainable, futuristic technology to support the current and growing orbital ecosystem,” said Manu Nair, a PhD candidate at the University of Lincoln and corresponding author of the study.
“As the scale of space missions grows, there is a need for more extensive infrastructures in orbit. Assembly missions in space would hold one of the key responsibilities in meeting the increasing demand.”
Ever since...