NASA’s In-Space Robotic Servicing

Abstract

This paper will describe NASA’s In Space Robotic Servicing (ISRS) activities. In particular, this paper will examine the linkage between ISRS capabilities (many of which have been demonstrated or will be demonstrated in the next few years on the International Space Station), and future space commerce and human space exploration. Key technologies include fluid transfer; advanced robotic tools; autonomous sensors and algorithms; dexterous robotics; and high-speed, fault-tolerant computing. Future applications of servicing capabilities in NASA’s Asteroid Redirect Mission, cis-lunar and Mars exploration architectures will be addressed.