NASA , in cooperation with DARPA, has been designing little robots for use in space. These robots are designed to be able to conduct synchronized flight with each other, in order to conduct a variety of tasks in space, such as emergency repairs, that previously would have required an astronaut.
From the article:
Known officially as Synchronized Position, Hold, Engage and Reorient Experimental Satellites, or SPHERES, the droids have been on the station since 2006. Astronauts have conducted more than 20 experiment sessions with them, and are on tap to conduct many more. Each SPHERES droid is self-contained with power, propulsion, computing and navigation equipment. Together, they are testing techniques that could lead to advancements in automated dockings, satellite servicing, spacecraft assembly and emergency repairs.
snip…
Miller says that, when his team designed the SPHERES droids, all of their uses couldn’t be imagined up front. So, they built an “expansion port:” into each droid where additional sensors and appendages can be added, such as cameras and wireless power transfer systems.
It looks like they are being tested inside the International Space Station right now, but eventually they plan to move to tests outside in space. Very cool stuff.
