Blue tentacle-like arms attached to an Astrobee free-flying robot grab onto a “capture cube” in this image from Feb. 4, 2025. The experimental grippers demonstrated autonomous detection and capture techniques that may be used to remove space debris and service satellites in low Earth orbit.
The Astrobee system was designed and built at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley for use inside the International Space Station. The system consists of three cube-shaped robots (named Bumble, Honey, and Queen), software, and a docking station used for recharging. The robots use electric fans as a propulsion system that allows them to fly freely through the microgravity environment of the station. Cameras and sensors help them to “see” and navigate their surroundings. The robots also carry a perching arm that allows them to grasp station handrails to conserve energy or to grab and hold items.
Image credit: NASA/Suni Williams
在2025年2月4日拍摄的这张照片中，Astrobee自由飞行机器人上的蓝色触手抓住了一个“捕获立方体”。实验性夹持器展示了自主检测和捕获技术，可用于清除太空垃圾并在近地轨道对卫星进行维修。
Astrobee系统由美国宇航局（NASA）位于硅谷的艾姆斯研究中心设计和制造，供国际空间站内部使用。该系统由三个立方体形状的机器人（分别命名为 大黄蜂（Bumble）、蜂蜜（Honey）和 皇后（Queen））、软件以及一个用于充电的对接站组成。这些机器人使用电动风扇作为推进系统，使其能够在空间站的微重力环境中自由飞行。摄像头和传感器帮助它们“观察”并导航周围环境。此外，这些机器人还配备了一个可抓握的机械臂，使它们能够抓住空间站的扶手以节省能量，或者用来抓取和固定物品。
影像来源: NASA/Suni Williams
