Space Robotics: A Comprehensive Study of Major Challenges and Proposed Solutions

Abstract

AbstractSpace robotics is a relatively new exploring field in science mainly utilized for space exploration and space missions. Space robotics field is also utilized in space debris removal from earth orbit and preventing meteorites from hitting earth planet. Many authorized techniques were explored in past four decades and several technology advancement missions to space were also demonstrated by The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA), and The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Several manned space missions were already demonstrated but fully autonomous, unmanned space missions are needed to be explored facing some technical issues in it. The major difficulty in space mission is to perform servicing of non-cooperative satellite with fully autonomous control, detumbling of non-cooperative satellites through impedance control, and dynamic control of autonomous moving targets with minimum rendezvous attitude. To inspire and assist advance research development in space technology, this paper provides a comprehensive study of the key challenges and projected solutions resembling to the obstacle avoidance, on-orbit servicing, and impedance control for fully autonomous space missions in near future. At last, possible directions for future research are discussed in conclusion part.KeywordsEngineering test satelliteOn-orbit servicingImpedance controlObstacle avoidanceSpace debris removal