4. INTRODUCTION:
The space environment represents one of the
most challenging applications of robotics.
Robotics is a field that has been magnified by its
association to space research.
The most important thing to note is that the scale
of success in space systems is same as that for
biological systems i.e., “SURVIVAL OFTHE
FITTEST”
5. What is space research?
“SPACE”, the word itself signifies something
infinite.
Space travel has always been dangerous and
any unexpected event can cause death.
It is here that the robots play a huge role and
help mankind in his research process.
6. WHY ROBOTS?
They can work efficiently in a hostile, non-
terrestrial environment.
Planetary surfaces can be explored more cheaply
and quickly.
Expensive and dangerous extra vehicular
activities can be reduced.
7. BASIC WORKING PRINCIPLE
A Robot is a collection of
controllers, sensors, actuators; radio
communication and power supply and each
of them are powered by various software’s.
8. Evolution of robots
SHAKEY (1966-1972):
It is based on the SPA (sense, plan and
action) algorithm. It is used in built world
modules to match and worked accordingly.
FLOW CHART:
9. HYBRID SYSTEMS (2000-??)
FLOW CHART:
The next generation of system is called as
probabilistic robots , which are under
development and research.
10. key technologies used:
Mapping and navigation
One of the basic functions of a space robot is
to navigate its way cleverly through all
obstacles that come in its way. Mapping and
navigation comprise of three more
technologies
Obstacle avoidance
Mapping
Path planning
11. Planning: It is a feature by which a robot
understands the situation and decides a strategy
to tackle it.
Sequencing: Selection of a particular skill set
which would result in perfect execution of a plan.
Control: Performing the selected skill set to
perfection.
12. Types of Robots in space:
There are 3 basic types of robots in space and all
the robots sent to space come under these types
only.
Planetary Rovers:
It is the most advanced form of robotics technology
used in space research.They are the robots, which
explore, navigate and research themselves with the
least human intervention; they analyze the data
collected and send the results back to earth.
13. IN-orbit Operators:
They are the robots, which assist an
astronaut during his space mission. For
example a robot can be designed specially to
refuel a shuttle thus helping the astronaut to
remain in his shuttle and accomplish various
tasks without any risk to their lives
14. Mineralogy and robots:
Presently humans are facing a huge challenge of
exhaustion minerals due to which space
exploration is being used specifically for
mineralogical purposes
It allows the robot to detect rocks and get precise
spectral measurements and validate the data
without any human intervention.
15. Current missions:
Voyager 1
Launched on 5 September 1977. Jupiter and
Saturn flybys. It escaped from the solar
system and is still transmitting useful data.
Mars express
Launched on 7th June 2003 and reached Mars
on 25 December 2003,etc……
16. Future missions:
Exomars
Due to be launched in 2015. It will characterize the
biological environment on mars, using a descent
module and rover, in preparation for subsequent
robotic and human exploration.
17. Conclusion:
We can conclude after all the research that the
field of robotics has made serious and positive
inroads in the field of space exploration.The
various technologies used in robots have made
space research cost effective and efficient also.
It has put an end to serious problems like loss of
human life and huge expenditures. Robots with
near human-like qualities have led to amazing
discoveries and have opened up a Pandora’s Box of
knowledge and mystery.
18. The human mind has
created and is creating
brilliant
technologies, which
has made space
research as a field to
reckon with and
simultaneously helped
in a huge advancement
in the field of robotics.
