Robots For The Space

ISS is close to end of its life; Artemis Program's future is unknown.

Why do we insist on human based space exploration. There are immense number of things waiting to be discovered in space. Budget is limited. We should utilize more robotics in space. One major benefit of developing advanced space robots is that they can also be utilized on Earth. Therefore, return on investment would be high due to additional value creation on Earth.

We try to return samples to Earth. I guess it would be much better to send more research equipment to space. For that we need to enhance the equipment to be space transportable and operable. This know how would also be beneficial for Earth.

Finally, the space agencies approach to space robotics has a major flaw. They are not modular and self- repairable. The robots, alone in the space should be able to fix themselves. Easiest way of achieving this is to have interchangeable modular design. A robot can easily swap interchangeable modules itself depending on the job or in case of a malfunction. CNC machines with auto tool changers are doing it for decades. Unlike a traditional design where you have to unscrew thousand tiny screws and connectors just to swap a tiny part.

The modules of a robot only ISS can fit inside Falcon9 payload bay. Lunar Pole research can be conducted by robots which can be launched by Falcon9 as well. If you design appropriate robots for space, current rockets are enough to explore more.