NASA is advancing on its Restore-L project, which will test a maintenance satellite that could assemble elements in space, maintain other satellites, and even build space stations.
–
-
The SPIDER (Space Infrastructure Dexterous Robot) robotic arm, on board the Restor L satellite; will be responsible for assembling a space antenna. | NASA
–
–
–
The Nasa awarded a 142 million dollar (128 million euros) contract to Maxar Technologies (Colorado), whose robotics arm SPIDER (Space Infrastructure Dexterous Robot) will be responsible for assembling a communication antenna in space , from 7 elements; and getting it started.
He will also have to build a beam of composite material, all in orbit. A first step towards the on-site construction of space stations.
For Jim Reuter, one of the administrators of the Space Technology mission of the American Space Agency, this “Technological demonstration will open up a new world of opportunities”.
Between 600 and 650 million euros
Assembling and building elements in space will give missions more flexibility and adaptability. What will be essential for Mars and Moon exploration missions
, says Brent Robertson, the project manager.
This SPIDER robot must equip the future satellite Restore-L, on which various sophisticated maintenance tools and a system to refuel other satellites will be tested.
The overall cost is estimated between 600 and 650 million euros. The launch date, which has yet to be confirmed, could take place sometime in 2020, according to NASA.
–Restore-L: the satellite that will take care of satellitesOuest-France.fr—
–
–
–
:quality(80)/cdn-kiosk-api.telegraaf.nl/80eaf098-45d9-11ea-9c85-02c309bc01c1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1)
