Space robot is used to replace human beings in space for scientific experiments, extravestration operations, space exploration and other activities of the special robot. Replacing astronauts with space robots can greatly reduce risks and costs.
First, the characteristics of space robot
Space robot is in the space environment activities, space environment and ground environment is very different, space robot work in microgravity, high vacuum, ultra-low temperature, strong radiation, poor lighting environment, therefore, space robot and ground robot requirements are necessarily different, has its own characteristics.
First of all, the space robot is small in size, light in weight and strong in anti-interference ability.
Secondly, the intelligent degree of space robot is relatively high, the function is more complete. Space robots need to consume as little energy as possible, and their working life should be as long as possible. Moreover, because they work in the special environment of space, their reliability requirements are also relatively high.
In addition, space robots move and navigate autonomously in an ever-changing three-dimensional environment. Space robot can hardly stay in space, so it must be able to determine its position and state in space in real time; To be able to control its vertical movement; To predict and plan its path for interstellar flight.
Second, the use of space robot
1. Space architecture and assembly
Some large installation components, such as radio antennas, solar cells, the assembly of each cabin and other extravegress activities are inseparable from space robots, which will undertake various handling, fastening of connections between components, toxic or dangerous goods handling and other tasks. In the near future, robots will be responsible for more than half of the initial construction of artificial space stations.
2. Maintenance and repair of satellites and other spacecraft
With the continuous development of human activities in space, the "property" of human beings in space is also more and more, in which the vast majority of man-made satellites. If these satellites ever failed, it would be uneconomic to discard them and launch new ones, and somehow repair them and make them functional again. But if send astronaut to repair, again involve the problem of extravegress activity, and because the spacecraft in space, is under the environment of intense cosmic radiation, people simply can't perform the task, so can only rely on the robot. The maintenance and repair work carried out by the space robot includes recovering failed satellites, repairing faulty satellites on site, and resupplying space vehicles.
3. Space production and scientific experiments
Space provides a microgravity and high vacuum environment that cannot be achieved on the ground, and it is possible to use this environment to produce products that cannot or are difficult to produce on the ground. Scientific experiments can also be carried out in space that cannot be done on the ground. Unlike space assembly and repair, space production and scientific experiments are carried out in an onboard environment, mostly repetitive movements that astronauts can inspect and control directly in most cases. Space robots work on production lines in factories on the ground. Therefore, the robots that can be used are mostly general-purpose multi-functional robots. Space robots will play a great role in ensuring the safety of space activities, improving production efficiency and economic benefits, and expanding the role of space stations.
