Photo credit: www.nasa.gov
NASA is actively pursuing a partnership initiative aimed at fostering a sustainable and economically viable commercial space ecosystem. The agency is inviting proposals for the management, engineering support, and utilization of Astrobee, a free-flying robotic system currently stationed aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Detailed information and submission guidelines can be found in the Announcement for Partnership Proposal, with a deadline for submissions set for Friday, March 21.
Since its introduction to the ISS in 2019, Astrobee has been operating autonomously or under the supervision of ground-based flight controllers and researchers. This innovative technology is designed to assist astronauts with routine tasks—such as inventory checks and documentation—which helps to free their schedules for more intricate work and experimentation.
The Astrobee system comprises three cube-shaped robots located onboard the ISS, complete with the necessary software and a docking station for recharging. Ground-based counterparts, also consisting of three robots, serve as spare parts for testing software and maintenance procedures. Beyond its operational functions, Astrobee plays a significant role in technological demonstration and outreach in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
These robots navigate the microgravity environment of the ISS equipped with advanced cameras and sensors for navigation. They possess specialized perching arms capable of gripping station handrails and securing objects. Previous experiments with Astrobee have explored various applications, including the evaluation of mechanical adhesive technologies, station mapping, and identification of potential issues related to life support systems.
“Astrobee has been a cornerstone of robotic and autonomous research in space, collaborating extensively with academic institutions and industry partners both nationally and internationally,” stated Eugene Tu, director of NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley, which spearheaded the Astrobee project. “We are looking forward to the possibility of extending this mission through collaboration with a commercial entity.”
In the partnership agreement, the chosen commercial entity will be expected to provide necessary ground-based testing, lab space, and equipment. They will assume responsibility for managing the Astrobee system until the end of the ISS’s operational life while also setting milestone objectives that ensure further advancements in Astrobee technology to help support the future of commercial space endeavors.
The International Space Station stands as a testament to scientific, technological, and human achievements, facilitating research that is unfeasible on Earth. For over 24 years, NASA has maintained a continuous American human presence in this orbiting laboratory, allowing astronauts to adapt to life in space for prolonged durations. The ISS serves as a catalyst for developing a low Earth orbit economy and is pivotal for NASA’s upcoming exploration missions, including the Artemis program aimed at lunar exploration and future manned missions to Mars.
For more information about the International Space Station, its research scope, and its crew, visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/station
To discover more about NASA Ames and its leading research and development efforts in aeronautics, science, and exploration technology, please visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/ames
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Request for Proposals
https://sam.gov/opp/ad273ca16c3a4068902797f07df543be/view
Source
www.nasa.gov