17-12-2012, 06:53 PM
SPACE ROBOTICS
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ABSTRACT
Robot is a mechanical body with the brain of a computer. Integrating
the sensors and the actuators and with the help of the computers, we can use it to
perform the desired tasks. Robot can do hazardous jobs and can reach places where
it’s difficult for human beings to reach. Robots, which substitute the manned
activities in space, are known as space robots. The interest in this field led to the
development of new branch of technology called space robotics. Through this
paper, I intend to discuss about the applications, environmental condition, testing
and structure of space robots.
INTRODUCTION
Robot is a system with a mechanical body, using computer as its brain.
Integrating the sensors and actuators built into the mechanical body, the motions
are realised with the computer software to execute the desired task. Robots are
more flexible in terms of ability to perform new tasks or to carry out complex
sequence of motion than other categories of automated manufacturing equipment.
Today there is lot of interest in this field and a separate branch of technology
„robotics‟ has emerged. It is concerned with all problems of robot design,
development and applications. The technology to substitute or subsidise the
manned activities in space is called space robotics.
Various applications of space robots are the inspection of a defective
satellite, its repair, or the construction of a space station and supply goods to this
station and its retrieval etc. With the over lap of knowledge of kinematics,
dynamics and control and progress in fundamental technologies it is about to
become possible to design and develop the advanced robotics systems. And this
will throw open the doors to explore and experience the universe and bring
countless changes for the better in the ways we live.
AREAS OF APPLICATION
The space robot applications can be classified into the following four
categories
1 In-orbit positioning and assembly: For deployment of satellite and for
assembly of modules to satellite/space station.
2 Operation: For conducting experiments in space lab.
3 Maintenance: For removal and replacement of faulty modules/packages.
4 Resupply: For supply of equipment, materials for experimentation in space lab
and for the resupply of fuel.
SPACE SHUTTLE TILE REWATERPROOFING ROBOT
TESSELLATOR
Tessellator is a mobile manipulator system to service the space
shuttle.The method of rewaterproofing for space shuttle orbiters involves
repetitively injecting the extremely hazardous dimethyloxysilane (DMES) into
approximately 15000 bottom tile after each space flight. The field robotic center
at Carneige Mellon University has developed a mobile manipulating robot,
Tessellator for autonomous tile rewaterproofing. Its automatic process yields
tremendous benefit through increased productivity and safety.