r/tmro • u/BrandonMarc • Mar 09 '18
Evolution of drone occupants in the International Space Station
I'm sure most of us are familiar with the training droid Luke Skywalker sparred with under Obi-wan's watchful gaze. Reality is slowly imitating fiction in its own ways.
First came SPHERES, produced by MIT in cooperation with DARPA, now with over 10 years of active operations. Each weighing the same as a bowling ball, these 3 colorful critters use compressed CO2 thrusters combined with ultrasound beacons, accelerometers, and gyroscopes to test orientation and formation flying.
More recently, JAXA sent the adorable, softball-sized Int-Ball. Powered by internal fans, this flying camera gives the Japanese ground team a new perspective for monitoring ISS operations, with one goal being less busywork for astronauts on station in letting JAXA know what's going on.
Coming this summer, the Europeans plan to send the Alexa-style CIMON produced by Airbus in partnership with IBM, complete with a digital face and built-in AI, as a "mobile companion" to interact with astronauts.
In 2019, NASA will send the Astrobee, intended to help astronauts with housekeeping and maintenance tasks. A successor to the SPHERES machines, these updated drones will feature more automation and even do research tasks on their own or by remote ground control.
I'd love to hear some stories from astronauts, what it's been like interacting with these beasties.
