This image was taken in a test chamber at the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), which mimics space conditions. Two huge golden robot arms rise up in the middle of the chamber: In the future, they will service satellites that are located at an altitude of 35,000 kilometers above the earth’s surface. The satellites are important, among other things, for communication services and scientific earth observation.
Until now, the expensive satellites in orbit could neither be repaired nor upgraded. Because of this, they were often loaded with backup systems and excess fuel, which in turn increased their weight and cost. The above service robots could now change this: They are supposed to carry out various inspections, repairs, adjustments to the orbits and hardware upgrades on the satellites – similar to a pit stop or an MOT inspection for cars.
After a years-long development phase, the robots have now been fully programmed and successfully tested: the researchers had both robot arms demonstrate all the required processes under space-like vacuum conditions and in suitable temperature ranges.
Next, the system will be handed over to the space and defense company Northrop Grumman and will begin its journey into space on board one of the company’s satellites in 2026.