Voyager and Icarus Robotics will test a flying robot on the ISS

Space technology company Voyager announced Monday it has awarded a mission design contract to robotics startup Icarus Robotics to demonstrate a free-flying robotic system on the International Space Station (ISS).

NASA is actively calling for more private companies to enter low Earth orbit ahead of the planned retirement of the ISS in 2030, with robotics becoming a key technology for future commercial stations and lunar missions, writes xrust.

The Icarus spacecraft's Joyride system is designed to navigate inside manned stations, and the test is designed to evaluate how well it can perform in microgravity.

This mission will also play a key role in collecting the data needed to train artificial intelligence models to control robots in space.

Under the agreement, Voyager will prepare the robot for flight, obtain all necessary safety approvals, organize the launch and provide maintenance after arrival at the space station.

“To create reliable artificial intelligence systems translated into reality, the first step is to implement the hardware in a real environment. Space has the highest barrier to entry of any field, and no simulator can replace being in person,” Jamie Palmer, co-founder and chief technology officer of Icarus Robotics, told Reuters.

Robots in space could be used to inspect and repair satellites, assist with routine maintenance and logistics aboard space stations, and ultimately manage and maintain data centers and other infrastructure in orbit.

According to publications https://www.reuters

Xrust Voyager and Icarus Robotics companies will test a flying robot on ISS