Once upon a time, space robots were science fiction. They appeared in comic books and Hollywood movies, floating through the universe and flying to strange new worlds. Today, space robots are a reality, and they help scientists and aerospace engineers explore the Solar System — something humans just can’t do. And things are just getting started. As technology develops, there are endless possibilities for space robots in the future.
What Do People Think Space Robots Do?
People are not quite sure what space robots are. They often associate these machines with the Daleks from “Doctor Who,” who want to colonize the universe and kill humans. This couldn’t be further from the truth. And, for the record, they look nothing like the robots in “Star Trek” and “Star Wars.”
What Do Space Robots Do?
Space robots actually help humans. They complete manual tasks and provide astronauts with assistance. In fact, there are space robots working on the International Space Station right now. Although they are expensive to produce, it’s cheaper to send a robot to space than a human.
But what do they actually do? Quite a lot, really.
- Space robots take measurements for astronauts.
- They collect samples.
- They assemble and fix equipment and structures.
Space robots can also explore other planets with cameras, providing scientists with insights into the atmosphere, landscape, and conditions of these faraway worlds.
The Different Types of Space Robots
Space robots come in all shapes and sizes. Take remotely operated vehicles (ROV), for example. Most people have probably seen these robots on the news, roaming harsh desert landscapes in warzones. Humans operate these robots using remote controls and long-transmission radio waves. Why are they so useful? Well, these space robots withstand extreme temperature and endure high levels of radiation.
These robots are perfect for exploring other planets because they can endure harsh atmospheric conditions. Plus, they do things that are just too dangerous for astronauts. Is there life on Mars? Who knows.
