Automated spacewalks
Scientists from NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) were able to automate one of the dangerous jobs on the International Space Station, sending a robot on spacewalks so humans don’t need to put themselves at risk.
Dextre, a CSA robot that looks like a multi-armed tower attached to the side of the space station, recently searched the exterior of the ISS for signs of leaks, specifically looking for ammonia that the space station uses as a coolant, according to a press release. from NASA. And now, with a newly installed “robot hotel”, it is much easier for the robot to do its job and keep dangerous work out of human hands.
Traveling hotel
On Tuesday, ISS astronauts installed the Robotic Tool Stowage (RiTS) unit that first launched into space in December. NASA calls it a “robot hotel”, but it’s actually more of a tool shed. In this case, it gives Dextre a place to store parts of RELL, its ammonia leak detection tools, outside the ISS where they are easier to access.
“RELL is a great example [of] how robots with the right tools can simplify astronauts’ lives, “RiTS hardware manager Mark Neuman said in the statement.” Dextre can use RELL to detect ammonia leaks, eliminating the need for astronauts to perform the same task during a spacewalk. “
Test run
For now, new tools like RiTS and RELL may help astronauts stay safe by automating riskier tasks, but NASA suspects that the same technology could help establish orbital habitats.
NASA has big plans for its Deep Space Gateway habitat, and finding ways to give robots all the hard work could help make it a reality.
READ MORE: NASA’s ‘robot hotel’ welcomes its occupants [NASA]
More about the ISS: The space station is getting a new bath
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