US-based space robotics start-up GITAI has conducted a demonstration of lunar base construction using two proprietary inchworm-type robotic arms and two proprietary ‘Lunar Robotic Rovers’ in a simulated lunar environment.
GITAI says the robots completed all planned tasks successfully and have passed various tests corresponding to Level 4 of NASA’s Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) in a simulated lunar environment in the desert.
Additionally, more than half of the components used in these robots have already passed various environmental tests in simulated space environments.
The robotics
GITAI’s inchworm-type robotic arms equipped with ‘ grapple end-effectors’ on both ends.
The firm says this feature increases ‘Capability’, enabling it to connect to various tools (end-effectors) to perform multiple tasks for various applications; and ‘Mobility’, enabling it to move in any direction.
It can also connect/disconnect itself among different vehicles such as rovers, landers, and satellites.
GITAI has also developed a lunar robotic rover that can perform general-purpose tasks on the moon such as exploration, mining, inspection, maintenance, and assembly.
This ground demonstration test emulates tasks that will be required for future lunar explorations and lunar base constructions using four robots: two inchworm-type robotic arms and two lunar robotic rovers.
Three sets of tests were conducted in the simulated lunar environment in the desert:
- Excavation (mining)
- Lunar base construction
- Maintenance (self-repairing)
GITAI says all tests were completed successfully.
Ultimately, GITAI aims to develop robots to help build and maintain satellites, space stations, lunar bases, and even cities on Mars.
Image: A GITAI Lunar Robotic Rover. Credit: GITAI
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