Fusion energy robotics show potential for satellite servicing
UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the Satellite Applications Catapult have shown how remote handling and robotics technology developed for fusion energy research can provide maintenance for satellites in-orbit.
The technology has been developed and tested at UKAEA’s Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE) robotics centre in Culham, Oxfordshire.
In a statement, Dr Indira Nagesh, principal engineer of UKAEA, said: “The rewards for recreating the ultimate fusion energy source here on Earth are enormous, with the potential for near limitless power for generations to come. Right now, we’re proving that our technology has lots more immediate benefits in adjacent sectors.
“Identifying technical challenges and solving them for in-orbit servicing and repair is exciting. It will greatly help to improve the longevity of spacecraft and reduce space litter.”
There are around 6,000 satellites in orbit around the Earth with 40 per cent of them operational. This space debris poses a danger to all spacecraft which have to perform thousands of avoidance manoeuvres each year to prevent collisions. Servicing and maintenance can extend operational lifetimes and the same technologies can be used to support active debris removal missions.
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