Automation and Robotics - An essential Component of entrepreneurship and innovation in space exploration

Paper number

IAC-08.E6.3.2

Author

Ms. Agnes Mellot, DLR (Washington Office), United States

Year

2008

Abstract

The successful transfer process from a scientific experiment to commercial applications
is the result of the combination of excellence in Science, Industry resources and political
support.
The methods and space technology developments foreseen in the DLR’s Space program
under the governance of the German Ministry of Economics puts major emphasis on the
enhancement of space systems autonomy which level of automation is the result of high
valuable technology meeting the needs of the next decades by a successful integration of
natural sciences, IT, materials sciences and communication.
The experience in automation and robotics is gained through the Ground operations of
Space systems, the International Space Station (ISS) experiments, crew safety procedures
and experiment support. This knowledge is brought further through the development of
on-orbit servicing of satellites (OOS), on-orbit verification procedures, maintenance,
repair and assembly, servicing robots and inspection systems.
Germany has the capability to contribute to the necessary infrastructure for lunar and
Mars exploration as well as for interplanetary operation with the advanced automation
and robotic applications. Mobile surface robots and surface facilities (habitats) provide
the adequate infrastructure and architecture for Space exploration.
In this framework of ISS utilization and Exploration of the Solar system a scientific,
political and commercial controlled environment promotes a changing world from purely
scientific exploration to Public Private Partnership (PPP) markets. With the ROKVISS
experiment – Robotic Components Verification - the DLR scientists in tight interaction
with engineers from the industry succeeded in executing high level robot commands on
board ISS during direct radio link contact phases. ROKVISS demonstrated a repeated
verification of soft- and hardware components including joint parameters in a realistic
free space environment.
The potential of the technologies developed in the field of Space robotics, Automation
technologies, orbital maintenance and servicing will create new commercial opportunities
such as space debris mitigation applications, alternatives to control deorbiting, orbital life
extension vehicles if relevant, lunar robotics infrastructure and capabilities. Space
robotics developments represent the “corner stone” to the further exploration of our Solar
system as well as a challenging opportunity for commercial partners.

Abstract document

IAC-08.E6.3.2.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.E6.3.2.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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