JAXA’s strategy of utilizing space robot technologies for future space missions
- Paper number
IAC-06-A5.2.04
- Author
Dr. Mitsushige Oda, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan
- Year
2006
- Abstract
JAXA conducted several robotic and manned space missions in 1990’s using Japan’s own vehicles and the space shuttles. Based on those experiences, JAXA developed the Japanese Experiment Module for the international space station (JEMRMS) and the space station logistic support vehicle named HTV (H-II transfer Vehicle). JEM and HTV will be launched soon. Therefore, interests of peoples are how the international space station will be utilized, and what kind of programs will be conducted after the international space station. The JAXA’s long term vision, “JAXA2025” issued in April 2005 will be an answer for such interests. JAXA identified human and robotic space explorations will become important area in the future Japan’s space activities. These activities include utilization of the international space station, manned moon explorations, and robotic asteroid explorations. In order to conduct these missions, development of manned space technologies and space robot technologies are essential. The manned space flights need various kinds of technologies. Japan has limited experiences in those technologies. Resources that can be provided for space programs are limited. Therefore, JAXA is trying to concentrate the limited resources in several key technology areas. Robot technology is one of the selected key areas that the research and development efforts will be concentrated. Japan is producing many industrial robots and conducting various kind of human like robots. It is quite reasonable to utilize the robot technologies for future space missions. Therefore, JAXA decided to strengthen its potential of space robotics. A study team to identify strategy to strengthen Japan’s potential of space robotics was organized in January 2006. The team conducted 60 days study and proposed a strategy to strengthen Japan’s potential of space robotics. Several areas were identified to concentrate JAXA’s effort. Those are 1) on-orbit servicing (building satellite constellations by orbital transfer, satellite inspection, de-orbiting dead satellites), 2) robotic moon / asteroid explorations, 3) robotic support of manned space activities on ISS and moon / Mars surface. Several missions are also proposed to develop and demonstrate robotic space technologies. Those are 1) inspection of ill-fated earth observation satellites (ADEOS-II and ADEOS) which terminated their missions before their designed life time, 2) development of moon exploration robots which will be carried to the moon surface by the follow-on missions after the SELENE mission to be launched soon. In the aural presentation, details of the proposed strategy and missions will be introduced.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-A5.2.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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