Tag

Space Robotics

All articles tagged with #space robotics

Moon’s construction crew: Lunar Outpost bets on robotic prep ahead of astronauts
business6 days ago

Moon’s construction crew: Lunar Outpost bets on robotic prep ahead of astronauts

Colorado-based Lunar Outpost raises $30 million in a Series B to shift from building individual lunar rovers to supplying a robotic workforce that can prep the Moon for longer-term human presence, including Pegasus and other mobility platforms. The company argues the real value lies in infrastructure work—landing pads, power, and maintenance—done by machines before astronauts arrive, in line with NASA’s Artemis push. Success will hinge on reliable lander delivery and a robust rover-as-a-service ecosystem rather than a single blockbuster rover, potentially making robotic prep a core part of the lunar economy.

Rocket Lab lands its largest contract yet and buys Motiv Space Systems
business21 days ago

Rocket Lab lands its largest contract yet and buys Motiv Space Systems

Rocket Lab announced its largest launch contract to date, securing five Neutron/Electron launches for 2026–2029 with a confidential customer, and revealed plans to acquire Motiv Space Systems to form Rocket Lab Robotics. CEO Peter Beck said pricing will stay in line with the company’s commercial rates and that Neutron demand is filling the manifest. The Motiv deal boosts in-house robotics and subsystems production (including solar array drives) and supports Rocket Lab’s push toward vertical integration and Mars/Moon mission capabilities, while the company remains cautious about Artemis visibility and aims to play a supporting role.

Expert Warns Elon Musk's Optimus Robots May Fail Quickly on Mars
science-and-technology8 months ago

Expert Warns Elon Musk's Optimus Robots May Fail Quickly on Mars

A robotics scholar predicts that Elon Musk's plans to send Optimus humanoid robots to Mars will likely face reliability issues and short operational lifespans, similar to past space robots like NASA's Robonaut 2, emphasizing the need for further technological advancements and testing on closer celestial bodies like the Moon before Mars missions.

SpaceX Returns 6,700 Pounds of Next-Gen Robots, Igniting Global Tech Debate
science-and-technology9 months ago

SpaceX Returns 6,700 Pounds of Next-Gen Robots, Igniting Global Tech Debate

SpaceX's Dragon capsule returned from the ISS with 6,700 pounds of advanced equipment, including materials tested for durability, robotic systems for satellite servicing, innovative space imaging technology, and educational materials, highlighting significant advancements in space exploration, technology, and education.

SpaceX Delivers Advanced Robotics and Supplies to Space Station, Stuns World
science-and-technology9 months ago

SpaceX Delivers Advanced Robotics and Supplies to Space Station, Stuns World

SpaceX's Dragon capsule returned from the ISS carrying 6,700 pounds of advanced technology, including space durability materials, innovative robots for satellite servicing, enhanced imaging systems, and educational materials to inspire future scientists, highlighting significant advancements in space exploration and technology.

"Critical Fuel Leak Dooms US Moon Mission's Soft Landing Attempt"
space-technology2 years ago

"Critical Fuel Leak Dooms US Moon Mission's Soft Landing Attempt"

Astrobotic's Peregrine lunar lander, launched aboard the first flight of Vulcan, suffered a propellant leak, making a soft landing on the moon impossible. The craft still has 40 hours of fuel left to operate as a spacecraft while engineers determine its new mission in orbit. Despite facing propulsion and battery issues, the team is working to extend Peregrine's operational life and receiving data for its next lunar lander mission.

"Trouble Strikes Moon Mission: Lander Faces Critical Fuel Loss En Route"
space-exploration2 years ago

"Trouble Strikes Moon Mission: Lander Faces Critical Fuel Loss En Route"

Astrobotic Technology's Peregrine lunar lander, launched aboard the first flight of the Vulcan rocket, encountered a propulsion system issue, jeopardizing the first U.S. soft lunar landing attempt in over 50 years. The faulty system is causing propellant loss, making a moon landing unlikely. The mission was crucial for ULA's Vulcan rocket, developed to rival SpaceX's Falcon 9, and for Astrobotic to fulfill a multibillion-dollar backlog of missions. The incident highlights the challenges of private companies in the renewed international competition for lunar exploration.