{"id":14675,"date":"2025-12-02T18:04:29","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T22:04:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zobi.alcowep.com\/bourtagshdrevxnls658739\/nasas-fly-foundational-robots-demo-to-bolster-in-space-infrastructure\/"},"modified":"2025-12-02T18:04:29","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T22:04:29","slug":"nasas-fly-foundational-robots-demo-to-bolster-in-space-infrastructure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zobi.alcowep.com\/bourtagshdrevxnls658739\/nasas-fly-foundational-robots-demo-to-bolster-in-space-infrastructure\/","title":{"rendered":"NASA\u2019s Fly Foundational Robots Demo to Bolster In-Space Infrastructure"},"content":{"rendered":"

NASA\u2019s Fly Foundational Robots Demo to Bolster In-Space Infrastructure<\/h2>\n

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NASA and industry partners will fly and operate a commercial robotic arm in low Earth orbit through the Fly Foundational Robots mission set to launch in late 2027. This mission aims to revolutionize in-space operations, a critical capability for sustainably living and working on other planets. By enabling this technology demonstration, NASA is fostering the in-space robotics industry to unlock valuable tools for future scientific discovery and exploration missions.\u202f\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cToday it\u2019s a robotic arm demonstration, but one day these same technologies could be assembling solar arrays, refueling satellites, constructing lunar habitats, or manufacturing products that benefit life on Earth,\u201d said Bo Naasz, senior technical lead for In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) in the Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. \u201cThis is how we build a dominant space economy and sustained human presence on the Moon and Mars.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Artist concept of the FFR Mission\u2019s robotic system payload atop the Astro Digital spacecraft. The robotic arm, provided by Motiv Space Systems, will perform robotic demonstrations in orbit.<\/div>\n
Motiv Space Systems<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The Fly Foundational Robots (FFR) mission will leverage a robotic arm from small business Motiv Space Systems capable of dexterous manipulation, autonomous tool use, and walking across spacecraft structures in zero or partial gravity. This mission could enable ways to repair and refuel spacecraft, construct habitats and infrastructure in space, maintain life support systems on lunar and Martian surfaces, and serve as robotic assistants to astronauts during extended missions. Advancing robotic systems in space could also enhance our understanding of similar technologies on Earth across industries including construction, medicine, and transportation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

To demonstrate FFR\u2019s commercial robotic arm in space, NASA\u2019s Space Technology Mission Directorate is contracting with Astro Digital to provide a hosted orbital test through the agency\u2019s Flight Opportunities program<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Guest roboticists will have the opportunity to contribute to the FFR mission, and participation will allow them to use Motiv\u2019s robotic platform as a testbed and perform unique tasks. NASA will serve as the inaugural guest operator and is currently seeking other interested U.S. partners to participate.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The future of in-space robotics relies on testing robotic operations in space prior to launching more complex and extensive servicing and refueling missions. Through FFR, the demonstration of Motiv\u2019s robotic arm operations in space will begin to push open the door to endless possibilities.\u00a0<\/p>\n

NASA\u2019s Fly Foundational Robots demonstration is funded through the NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate\u2019s ISAM portfolio and managed by NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Motiv Space Systems of Pasadena, California, will supply the mission\u2019s robotic arm system through a NASA Small Business Innovation Research Phase III award. Astro Digital of Littleton, Colorado, will flight test Motiv\u2019s robotic payload through NASA\u2019s Flight Opportunities program managed by NASA\u2019s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Learn more about In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing at NASA<\/a>.<\/p>\n

By Colleen Wouters
NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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