Developments in space exploration are taking the center stage in powerful world countries, particularly the US and Russia. The inability to refuel, service, and repair satellites once launched into space is a significant concern, as companies and governments lose millions of dollars in value due to minor problems (Vocative, 2017). However, NASA is making notable milestones towards the actualization of the autonomous repair concept, which will be a major relieve because it will be possible to refuel and repair malfunctioned satellites.
The actualization of NASA’s idea of autonomous space robots with the capacity to repair and refuel satellites will pave the way for further developments and exploration. The number of satellites that have run out of fuel or malfunctioned can be comprehended based on the 5% failure rate of SpaceX Starlink satellites launched between 2018 and 2019. SpaceX reported that three of the company’s 60 Starlink Satellites launched on May 23 were unresponsive as of June 28 the same year, 2019 (Foust, 2019). A significantly large number of satellites at the risk of on-orbit failure due to malfunction and fuel exhaustion could benefit from the actualization of NASA’s autonomous repair concept.
Merely all major companies with an interest in space exploration are pursuing the autonomous satellite repair concept. According to Singh (2017), the fact that nine of the 72 atomic clocks on the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Galileo Satnav constellation failed is a sufficient reason for the company to consider the idea of autonomous satellite repair service. Similarly, Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency is considering the same concept following a recent incident in which the smallest-ever rocket’s communications systems malfunctioned, leading to a failed launch (Singh, 2017). However, companies pursuing the idea might need to brace themselves for patent battles once the autonomous repair robot idea is actualized.
In overview, the concept of autonomous robots to refuel and repair stranded satellites has emerged when powerful countries are intensifying the space race. Malfunctioning and running out of fuel are common satellite challenges. Such satellites are left to continue orbiting around the earth for generations because nothing can be done to repair or refuel them. Hence, the concept of smart autonomous space vehicles is gaining momentum, as this could be the solution to satellite fuel and malfunction challenges.
References
Foust, J. (2019). Starlink failures highlight space sustainability concerns. Space News. Web.
Singh, I. (2017). Biggest satellite industry fails in 2017. Geo News. Web.
Vocative. (2017). Autonomous space robots will soon repair satellites [Video]. YouTube. Web.