Robot successfully builds space structure in first autonomous construction demo

A robotic truss builder designed and built by Caltech researchers has successfully constructed a structure in space for the first time, without the help of astronauts. The device, part of DARPA's NOM4D program, autonomously assembled a truss structure using struts and joints from nearby dispensers. The demonstration showed the feasibility of autonomous construction in space, with the team building a third bay of a truss structure in orbit. The truss builder, ASTRA, was launched with two prebuilt bays and built a third bay in space, using a manipulator that moved components into position and constructed each bay on an assembly plate. The structure included a netlike reflective material and springs to prestress the reflective cable nets.

• The truss builder was part of DARPA's NOM4D program, aimed at enabling large-scale space construction.
• The ASTRA team built a third bay of a truss structure in orbit, using a manipulator that picked up and placed components.
• The demonstration showed the feasibility of autonomous construction in space, with the team overcoming technical challenges and successfully assembling a structure.

The demonstration is the third phase of the NOM4D project. In the first two phases, the ASTRA team developed the concept and design methodology and tested it in laboratory settings. The space payload was completed, tested, and delivered to Momentus Inc. in less than 12 months. The team built a third bay of a truss structure in orbit, using a manipulator that moved components into position and constructed each bay on an assembly plate. The structure included a netlike reflective material and springs to prestress the reflective cable nets.

The ASTRA truss builder was able to construct a third bay of a truss structure in orbit. The structure included a netlike reflective material and springs to prestress the reflective cable nets. The truss builder was launched with two prebuilt bays and built a third bay in space, using a manipulator that moved components into position and constructed each bay on an assembly plate. The team overcame technical challenges and successfully assembled a structure in space. The demonstration showed the feasibility of autonomous construction in space, with the team overcoming technical challenges and successfully assembling a structure.

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