Have you ever wondered what is beyond our planet? As we grow old, we learn new things about the universe, the planets, and the galaxies. The universe is so big that we humans can not explore everything. There comes the most used word nowadays, technology! Robotics has been playing a huge role in space exploration even before humans stepped on the Moon for the very first time.
So, while you itch your curious mind about space and the universe, let us take a quick look at robotics in space exploration. This article will cover the history and evolution, importance, and challenges robotics faces in space exploration.
Robotics in Space Exploration
Robotics has become an essential part of space exploration in the present day. The universe consists of a lot of extremities, including unbearable temperature, no gravity, lack of food and air, and much more. While humans require special support and needs, robots on the other hand, can survive in these extreme conditions very well. Hence, robots are used heavily in space exploration these days.
The human mind is curious and always ready to learn more. This curiosity has given birth to more reliance on space robotics. From Mars rovers to artificial satellites, we depend on technology and robotics to gather information and data from space. So, robotics can be considered the heart and soul of space exploration now!!
History and evolution of space robotics
Let’s take a look at the history of space robotics. Sputnik and Explorer were the first two artificial satellites launched by the USSR and the US, respectively. The former was launched in 1957 by the Soviet Union, which shocked the entire world with how technology was advancing. In response to that US launched the Explorer 1 in 1958. Viking landers were the first spacecraft to land on Mars in the 1970s.
In the present-day scenario, robotics has become very advanced and reliable. Today’s technology, along with AI, short for Artificial Intelligence, has made the use of robotics in space exploration even more interesting. Robots are very well-equipped with sensors and have their mind. This allows in-depth exploration of space through robots!
Importance of Robotics in Space Exploration
There are numerous reasons for choosing robotics in space exploration. The primary reason is that robots do not require survival or life-support needs. This automatically cuts the cost of sending humans to space, where they require oxygen, food, well-equipped spacecraft, etc. Robots can perform heavy and long tasks without feeling tired, leaving the decision-making work to humans.
Another reason for the growing need for space robotics is the success rates. We can examine the terrain and temperature of the planets and the outer world by sending robots to space. This is also cost-effective and efficient. Hence, robots have become an integral part of space exploration.
Types of Space Robots
There are different types of space robots and each of them has various functions. The first type of space robot is an orbiter. It moves around the planet to gather information about the climate and terrain. Another one is a lander which is sent to specific satellites and planets to gather stationary data. The next type of space robot is a rover. Rovers are mobile robots that collect data about a particular planet they are sent to.
This is not the end of the list. Numerous other types of space robots include humanoid space robots, autonomous satellites, and robotic arms. Few of these space robots have their mind and operate on their own. While some space robots are controlled by humans from Earth, or from spacecraft. This wide variety of space robots helps us understand space broadly.
Rovers and Their Roles
A rover is a type of space robot that is mobile. It has arms, wheels, cameras, and other instruments to gather data related to the planet. Rovers are sent to examine the terrain and the conditions of the planet or the satellite. They are quite efficient since they can operate in any terrain or soil.
Lunokhod 1 was the first rover sent to the Moon in 1970. The first rover sent to Mars was Sojourner in 1997. Rovers also help in testing different technologies, artificial intelligence, and tools before they are sent to space.
Robotic Arms on Spacecraft
Robotic arms are just like our limbs. Without them, humans can’t function and without robotic arms, rovers and spacecraft can’t function. Thanks to these, we are now able to document and collect pictures of the surface of different planets and satellites. Canadarm and Canadarm 2 are the two most versatile and efficient robotic arms used on the Space Shuttle.
They play an important role in the outer world by supporting astronauts during spacewalks. They also help in external maintenance and deploying payloads. Robotic arms are well-equipped with movements and abilities to carry out different missions without any need for human control.
Humanoid Robots vs Autonomous Robots
Technology has become so advanced that it can now mimic human actions. Humanoid robots are developed to imitate the actions of human beings, thereby assisting astronauts in their missions. They have arms, hands, and even expressions that can help operate tools designed for humans. A few famous examples of humanoid robots are NASA’s Robonaut and Russia’s Fedor.
Autonomous robots, as the name suggests, are robots that require minimal or no human handling. They have a mind of their own, which helps them make decisions. Famous examples of autonomous robots are Curiosity and Perseverance. They are Mars rovers that collect data on the terrain and other external conditions. They are effective as they require no human control and can perform under extreme conditions.
Challenges Faced by Space Robots
The functions and efficiency of space robots sound like a dream, right? However, maintaining these well-built, long-lasting, adaptable, and efficient space robots requires a lot of money and technology. The scientists and engineers need to take special care as a simple and small technical error can jeopardise the entire mission. Communication can also be challenging with space robots due to the distance.
Precise coordination can become a challenge as the terrain and external conditions can be uneven. Robots and humans need to have proper coordination for mobility and a perfect landing. To survive these uneven terrains, the robots need to be durable and long-lasting. Engineers have to be specially trained to make them and this adds to the additional cost of building the space robots.
Role of Robotics in the International Space Station (ISS)
ISS, which stands for International Space Station, is often used in conducting daily operations. They are vital to carrying out a successful space mission. One major role they play is helping astronauts repair and manipulate external instruments. They help astronauts during spacewalks as well.
They play a major role in research and testing as well. Robots are helpful since sending humans for testing can be risky and harmful. It is also cost-effective and less time-consuming. Autonomous robots have their decision-making abilities and require no human assistance. Hence, robotics in space exploration has reduced the workload of scientists and engineers!!
Future of Robotics in Space Colonisation
As we have discussed the essential role of robotics in space exploration, let’s get into the future of robotics. Robots have increasingly become the most important part of space exploration now. In the future, we can see a lot of developments coming forward. This can be in the form of research and testing as well. Robots can be sent early to build habitats, shelters, and landing panels for astronauts and spacecraft. This reduces the risks of failure and the use of humans for testing.
In building colonies, the work of both humans and robots needs to be recognised. Humanoid robots can be used for activities like scanning the terrain and climatic conditions, while autonomous robots can be used for purposes like agriculture and building shelters. The ability of robots to work efficiently without human intervention should and can be used in the future for space colonisation.
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ISRO and NASA’s Robotics Missions
NASA stands for National Aeronautics and Space Administration and is a US-based space agency that conducts space programs. It has sent some of the earliest robots to space. This includes the Voyager and a very recent Mars rover, Perseverance. It has also come up with its newest mission called Dragonfly, which is a rotorcraft sent to Titan. Saturn’s moon. NASA can time and again prove to the world that technology and space exploration go hand in hand.
Another space agency is ISRO. It is an Indian-based space agency that has conducted numerous successful robotics missions. The Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter are two popular space missions of ISRO. It is another testament to the great collaboration between technology and space!
Ethical and Security Concerns of Space Robotics
With the success stories come ethical issues. A big question arises: Who is responsible for the damage caused by an autonomous robot to a celestial body? There are other issues related to the misuse of autonomous robots in space as well. Another issue that comes to light is cybercrime. If robotic systems get hacked, then they can cause severe damage to human lives. Hence, taking extra care during the conduct of missions is a must!
To avoid ethical dilemmas, an international code of conduct should be made. These rules should be followed by space agencies all over the globe. As space has become more crowded due to the curiosity of human beings, we should collaborate internationally to avoid any damage caused to the celestial bodies.
FAQs
What is Space Robotics?
Space Robotics refers to the use of technology and robots in space for exploration and collection of data and information. This includes spacecraft, drones, rovers, robotic arms, etc.
How are robots used in Mars missions?
Robots are useful in Mars missions as they help in collecting information about the terrain and other external conditions of Mars. Sending robots such as rovers, robotic arms, and autonomous robots can help collect data related to the terrain. This information can be used for future purposes and building colonies.
Why are robots used in space exploration?
Robots do not require oxygen or other survival needs. They are very long-lasting and can operate under extreme conditions. Autonomous robots also don’t require human handling and can make decisions on their own.
Will robots help in building colonies in space?
Yes, robots can help build colonies in space. They can be used to perform scanning at first to test if building a habitat is possible. Robots can be used to build infrastructure, mining, agriculture, and much more.
Are there any ethical and security concerns in space robotics?
Yes, there are several ethical and security concerns in space robotics. These include cybercrime like hacking of space robots, damage to celestial bodies, etc. It can also pose a threat to human lives if they alter anything in space.
Technology is a huge boon to space exploration. Robotics has now become the backbone of space exploration. With many missions conducted by various countries, we are getting new information related to the outer world that was once a fairytale to all of us. From rovers to robotic arms, from Mars to Pluto, robotics has helped in expanding our knowledge related to space. As we look at the bright future, we can only think of how robotics can be vital for further space exploration.
If you find this article helpful and informative, make sure to check our website for more such blogs. Until then, keep reading, keep smiling, and don’t forget that the stars are not too far if you are willing to reach them!
