Space Robotics

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA121484 | Open PDF

Abstract:

This report surveys the possible applications and technical feasibility of robots in space. The future space program in the time frame of 1980-2000 is first assessed, including space exploration, global information services and space utilization. The critical technologies needed to support the projected space program are then considered, including the need for general purpose, remote intelligence and manipulation. Teleoperators are discussed as a possible means of meeting this requirement and are found not to be satisfactory due to communication time delays and bandwidth limitations, and human costs and performance limits. Autonomous space robots are proposed as a solution and several detailed scenarios for their use are presented. The technical feasibility of space robotics is evaluated by examining the requirements, state of the art, and research needed for each of the subsystems of a space robot. These include manipulators, sensors, navigation, guidance, propulsion, surface locomotion, computing and control, communications, electrical power, and spacecraft structure. Finally, a research program is outlined for the development of autonomous space robots.

Author(s):
Korf, Richard E.
Author Organization(s):
CARNEGIE-MELLON UNIV PITTSBURGH PA ROBOTICS INST
Descriptive Note:
Interim rept.
Supplementary Note:
DOI: 10.21236/ADA121484
Pagination:
0061

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
CMU-RI-TR-82-10
Contract/Grant Number(s):
F33615-81-K-1539, ARPA ORDER-3597
Monitor Series:
DARPA
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_5.5.2_Task; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_4.3_Maintain; JCA_2.2.2_Imagery Collection; JCA_2.2_Collection; JCA_4.2_Supply; JCA_4.2.1_Manage Supplies and Equipment; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_4_Logistics; JCA_1.2.6_Concepts; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_5.4_Decide; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_1.2.7_Experimentation
Modernization Areas:
Space; Autonomy; AI and Machine Learning
Communities of Interest:
Space
Descriptor(s):
*ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, *SPACE CREWS, *SPACECRAFT, *STRUCTURES, AUTOMATA, COMMUNICATIONS TRAFFIC, COSTS, DETECTORS, ELECTRIC POWER, FEASIBILITY STUDIES, HUMANS, LITERATURE SURVEYS, NAVIGATION, RESEARCH MANAGEMENT, SPACE EXPLORATION, SPACE FLIGHT, SUBMARINES
Field(s)/Group(s):
Unmanned Spacecraft
Keyword(s):
Space robotics
Report Date:
1982 Aug 01