Space exploration is hard. Like “billions of dollars and life-or-death stakes” hard. And while astronauts get all the glory, it’s space robots that do the heavy lifting.
These ever-more-intelligent bots can stare down the harshest conditions, from the surface of Mars to the depths of outer space, tackling jobs too dangerous, repetitive, or downright impossible for humans. (Yes, even for Tom Cruise.)
From rovers that scout alien terrain to robotic arms fixing satellites in orbit, space robots are high-grade multitaskers — and we’re glad they’re on our team.
Read on to learn:
- What are space robots?
- 5 ways robots are being used in space.
- Advantages and challenges of building space robots.
What are space robots?
Space robots are bringing the latest and greatest human advancements to the cosmos — our ability to title everything like an 80s sci-fi movie.
On a more serious note: They’re uber-specialized machines designed to explore, maintain, and gather data in the hostile and harsh environment of space or other planets.
Basically, unlike Earth-based robots, space robots are built to handle the extreme from scorching heat, freezing cold, radiation, and zero gravity.
What makes them special?
- More adaptable than you think: Space robots can be rovers, arms, or telescopes, depending on the mission. They’re customized for tasks like collecting soil samples, repairing satellites, or snapping mind-blowing images of galaxies.
- Wearing many hats: These bots act as explorers, engineers, and scientists in space. They scout unknown territories, perform repairs on billion-dollar spacecraft, and even help design the blueprints for future space stations.
5 ways robots are being used in space
Space robots aren’t just cool tech; they’re actively shaping the future of exploration.
1. Exploring planets and moons
Rovers like NASA’s Perseverance and Curiosity are basically Martian geologists at this point.
They’ve got cameras, drills, and sensors. They collect samples, map terrain, and even search for signs of ancient life. Perseverance, for example, is storing Martian rock samples that will (eventually) make their way back to Earth. (They got Elon beat!)
Why this matters: Robots like these allow us to explore distant worlds without sending humans into harm’s way. Plus, they’ve already discovered water ice on Mars — which could be a huge thing for future colonies.
2. Repairing satellites and space stations
The Canadarm2 on the International Space Station is a robotic arm that makes life in orbit a whole lot easier.
It’s used to move cargo, repair satellites, and even help out astronauts during spacewalks (where they may or may not listen to Michael Jackson). Without it, maintaining a functioning ISS would be a logistical nightmare.
Why this makes the news: Robotic arms like Canadarm2 save time, money, and effort. They reduce the need for risky spacewalks and extend the life of valuable equipment. While Canadarm2 wasn’t really made to catch spacecraft, it’s making huge waves as a space-catcher.
3. Building structures in space
Space robots are construction workers, too. NASA’s Robotic Construction Project is testing bots that can 3D-print habitats directly on the Moon or Mars using local materials. Picture robots laying the groundwork for human colonies while we’re still sipping our lattes back on Earth.
Why this is important: With robots doing the heavy lifting, future astronauts will have safe, ready-made bases waiting for them when they arrive.
4. Mining asteroids for resources
Asteroid mining might sound like sci-fi, but we’re inching closer to it.
Robots are being developed to mine valuable resources like water, metals, and rare minerals from asteroids. Companies like AstroForge are already working on robotic systems (like the Odin space probe) to harvest these celestial goodies.
Why this is a thing: Asteroid mining could provide raw materials for space exploration and even power Earth-based industries, reducing our reliance on depleting resources.
5. Better space observation
Robotic telescopes like the Hubble and James Webb help us peer into the depths of the cosmos.
These robotic telescopes get incredible images and data about galaxies, black holes, and planets light-years away. Their ultra-advanced sensors and AI systems collect mind-boggling amounts of information, uncovering these celestial secrets.
Why this is interesting: Space telescopes allow us to study the universe from a distance and pave the way for discoveries about its origins and future.
Good stuff about using robots in space exploration
Space robots are more than just high-tech gadgets — they’re mission-critical.
Here’s why they’re indispensable:
- Built for the Wild West of space: They survive in environments no human could — think of radiation, extreme temperatures, and zero oxygen.
- More efficient than Marie Kondo: Robots reduce the risks and costs of sending humans on dangerous missions. Forget about oxygen and space suits.
- Access all areas: Whether it’s the surface of Mars or the far side of the Moon, robots can go where we simply can’t.
Space robot challenges (not a movie title, we swear)
Of course, sending robots into space is never going to be exactly a simple proposition.
Here’s what makes it so hard:
- Burning a hole in the budget: Designing and launching a space robot costs a fortune. Add in testing for extreme conditions, and the price tag only goes up. Perseverance alone costs over $2.7 billion dollars.
- Space isn’t robot-friendly: Even the best robots can struggle with uneven surfaces or unexpected obstacles in space. (Remember when Spirit got stuck in Martian sand?)
- Slow communication, big frustration: With signals taking minutes to travel between Earth and space, controlling robots in real time can be a challenge.
Summing up
It’s not an exaggeration: Space robots are paving the way for humanity’s future in the untold realms beyond Earth.
While challenges abound, and space robots are really just the province of government agencies and tech billionaires, there’s no doubt that they’ll become more and more necessary in the years ahead.
As Captain Kirk said: Boldly go where no man has gone before. Here’s to you, space robots.
Next Steps
If you’re impressed by what space robots can do, imagine what Standard Bots’ RO1 — a six-axis cobot arm — can achieve for your business right here on Earth.
Here’s why RO1 is out of this world:
- Affordable and versatile: Starting at $5/hour or available at half the purchase price of comparable models, RO1 makes advanced robotics accessible for all industries.
- Precision and power: With an 18 kg payload and repeatability of ±0.025 mm, RO1 is perfect for tasks like assembly, packing, and material handling.
- AI and no-code simplicity: Featuring AI capabilities on par with GPT-4 and a no-code setup, RO1 is straightforward to program and use — no rocket science required.
- Safety-first design: With built-in machine vision and collision detection, RO1 works safely and efficiently alongside human teams.
Schedule a risk-free, 30-day onsite trial today and see how RO1 can level up your shop floor with the kind of precision and adaptability inspired by space robots themselves.
