Stephanie Soquet’s Post

Last week, USC Information Sciences Institute Institute hosted a conversation about the future of Astrobee, an autonomous robotic platform that supports research and tech development in microgravity. Now, Arkisys, founded by USC’s David A Barnhart, has been selected to maintain and operate Astrobee commercially. The plan includes expanded access for researchers, international space agencies, and commercial users via the ISS National Lab and NASA Ames Research Center. Experiments already underway include real-time computer vision, cooperative docking systems, and student-written code through MIT’s Zero Robotics. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/et_ySgYx #Astrobee #SpaceRobotics #ISS #TechWeek #SpaceInnovation

Why MARS 1 Could Redefine Navigation and Autonomy Beyond Earth   Lunar Outpost’s upcoming MARS 1 mission represents a bold step forward, not just for robotics, but for the entire field of autonomous navigation and coordination in space. Designed to test Mobile Autonomous Robotic Swarms (MARS) in orbit, this mission will validate how multiple spacecraft can self-navigate, self-coordinate, and maintain functionality without continuous human or ground-based support.   Key Mission Insights: • Two small spacecraft will operate cooperatively in orbit, each equipped with autonomous swarm software. Together, they’ll test resilient navigation, mesh networking, and decentralized coordination. • The payloads include experimental PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) systems designed to remain operational even during communication blackouts — a key step toward true autonomy. • Launch is set for early 2026 aboard the SpaceX Transporter 16 rideshare via Exotrail’s spacevan™ orbital transfer vehicle. Why This Matters from a Navigation Specialist’s Perspective:   In traditional space operations, spacecraft rely heavily on Earth-based infrastructure like GNSS, ground tracking, and real-time communication links for navigation and control. But as we expand into cislunar space, Mars, and beyond, those systems simply won’t reach.   This is where resilient, decentralized navigation becomes essential. Missions like MARS 1 are not just proving new robotics concepts; they’re stress-testing the next generation of spatial awareness and autonomy in completely GNSS-denied environments.   As a navigation specialist, what stands out is the emphasis on onboard intelligence, the ability for spacecraft to determine position, attitude, and relative motion using local sensors, star trackers, optical navigation, and cooperative algorithms. This shift from centralized control to networked autonomy changes everything: • Spacecraft will no longer depend on continuous uplinks for guidance. • Multi-agent systems can dynamically adapt and coordinate using shared situational awareness. • Swarm behaviors: formation flying, cooperative mapping, distributed sensing that could become scalable and self-sustaining. The Bigger Picture:   For engineers and companies in navigation, sensor fusion, and autonomy, this represents both a challenge and an enormous opportunity: • How do we design algorithms that remain robust with limited reference points? • How do we validate precision and timing in completely independent systems? • How can resilient PNT evolve to serve cooperative robotic swarms, not just single platforms? The MARS 1 mission is a signal: the future of space will depend not just on propulsion or payloads, but on how well systems perceive, orient, and cooperate. It’s a thrilling time to be working in navigation and autonomy. What’s coming next won’t just orbit Earth, it will navigate the unknown.   #SpaceExploration #NavigationTechnology #ResilientNavigation

🌟 Keynote Spotlight: The Leaders Defining Space Robotics at iSpaRo 2025 🚀 The full iSpaRo program is published, and it's time to highlight the three visionaries who will be setting the global agenda for the next decade of space robotics! 🇪🇺 Dr. James Carpenter (European Space Agency - ESA) Title: Science and Robots on a 2040s Moon Focus: Dr. Carpenter presents a forward-looking vision on how science and robotics will converge to establish infrastructure and enable unprecedented scientific discovery on the Moon by the 2040s. His insights are crucial for understanding ESA’s long-term strategy for accessing and using lunar resources. When: Monday, December 1, 14:00 – 15:00 🇺🇸 Dr. Glen Henshaw (U.S. Naval Research Laboratory) Title: Why is the US Navy doing Space Robotics? Focus: As the lead roboticist for DARPA’s RSGS program, Dr. Henshaw will detail NRL’s history and future work in robotic satellite servicing, in-space assembly, and orbital debris remediation. He will specifically discuss research using reinforcement learning and tactile sensing to make future space robots more capable and cost-effective. When: Tuesday, December 2, 09:00 – 10:00 🇯🇵 Dr. Suguru Saito (Cabinet Office, Government of Japan) Title: Japan's Space Policy Overview: Focusing on Trends in Lunar Development Focus: Dr. Saito offers a deep dive into the policy and regulatory landscape driving Japan's momentum, including highlights from the 5th Basic Plan on Space Policy and the study on the "Architecture for Lunar Activities." This is essential for anyone tracking the governmental and commercial direction of lunar development. When: Wednesday, December 3, 09:00 – 10:00 🔗Details available at: https://lnkd.in/g9HXQwpi ✅If you plan to attend the conference, don't forget to register by Nov. 16th : https://lnkd.in/dZFma6_M #Keynote #iSpaRo #SpaceRobotics

🛰️ Orbital robotics just got a major physics upgrade! Scientists have developed a new mathematical framework for modeling spacecraft-mounted robotic arms in orbit—accounting for the complex dynamics of orbital motion, spacecraft attitude, and manipulator movements all at once. The Lagrange-Poincaré-Kepler Equations (LPKE) extend classical mechanics to capture how orbital disturbances affect robotic operations in space. This isn't just theoretical—the framework is ready for real control systems and hardware-in-the-loop simulations, tested on a 7-DOF manipulator. • Why it matters: Accurate orbital robotics models are critical for autonomous satellite servicing, space construction, and debris removal—emerging trillion-dollar markets. Follow us for the latest breakthroughs in robotics, AI, and space tech! 🚀 #Robotics #SpaceTech #Orbital #Dynamics #Automation #Kinematics Source: https://lnkd.in/gexijPgQ

Space exploration is entering a transformative era with groundbreaking collaborative efforts between Space Robotics Workers (SRW) and Spacedock. Their strategic partnership focuses on developing advanced autonomous robotic systems for orbital infrastructure assembly and maintenance. The companies are set to conduct a critical ground demonstration in early 2026, validating an intelligent interface for autonomous berthing, docking, and comprehensive system transfer. This milestone represents a significant leap toward creating scalable, serviceable space platforms. Spacedock's CEO Negar Feher emphasized the importance of their intelligent interface, noting it will 'accelerate the shift to a modular, serviceable, and sustainable space ecosystem.' By enabling upgradeable orbital systems, they aim to protect substantial industry investments and extend mission capabilities. SRW's Technical Director Raffaele Vitulli highlighted the partnership's deeper significance, stating it reflects 'confidence in an architecture that can scale with our vision for a permanent and vigorous human presence in orbit.' This collaboration signals a promising trajectory for commercial low Earth orbit destinations, solar power stations, and future space infrastructure development.

Advancing Space Exploration Through Robotics 🛰️ Open Positions ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g3W8fTQ5 At #GITAI, we're developing cutting-edge robotic solutions for a new era of space exploration. This video showcases our spacecraft docking and handling technology, demonstrating precise and autonomous maneuvers. We're pushing the limits of what's possible in space robotics! 🚀 #spacerobotics #innovation #engineering #hiring #careers #spaceexploration #technology

How could humans survive on the Moon? One way would be to extract oxygen from dust and broken rock. A team from CRADLE – the robotics research centre set up by Amentum UK and International and The University of Manchester – has just taken part in the European Space Agency - ESA’s Space Resources Challenge to develop technologies for doing exactly that. To find out more 👉 https://lnkd.in/gtGbf3Ny

Artificial Intelligence has gotten much more advanced since robotic space probes first start exploring the planets. I explore how far this could go and what the future of the solar system and space exploration could look like as a result. https://lnkd.in/gFEhQQRf

🐙 Soft Robotics Meets Space Tech What if the future of space exploration looked more like an octopus than a robot? Engineers are developing flexible, tentacle-inspired robotic arms that can gently grip fragile objects perfect for handling tools, repairing satellites, or assisting astronauts in zero gravity. Biology is quietly rewriting the rules of robotics one soft tentacle at a time. Join our global community, share your expertise, and explore partnership opportunities. 👉 www.ctorobotics.com Stay updated with the latest insights on #Robotics, #AI, #Automation, and #SmartManufacturing. 🚀 👉 https://lnkd.in/drdRjYKJ Let’s connect and continue the conversation on the future of #Robotics, #AI and #Automation! Follow Onur Sezgin, CTO ROBOTICS Media,Robomax Robot and Automation Systems, Ara Robotik to join the community of robot enthusiasts. Check out the amazing content from my talented friends who share insights on similar topics: Ahmet Ömer Yılmaz Muhammet Furkan Bolakar RoboSapienss Milos Kucera Adrian Stelmach Florian Palatini Eduardo BANZATO Amir Sanatkar Amine BOUDER Ulrich Moeller 🤖 🤖 Luis L. Christine Raibaldi Marcus Scholle Philipp Kozin, PhD, MBA Ismail Durgun (Assoc. Prof.) Alexey Navolokin ⚠️ This video is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It does not contain aany sponsored deals, advertising, or commercial intent. Credit to the original creator. All rights belong to the respective brand. If you are the owner and wish to have it removed or credited differently, please contact us. #Robotics #SpaceTech #Innovation #SoftRobotics #NASA #AI #Engineering

Humanity’s next leap into deep space is being shaped not by bigger rockets but by smarter intelligence systems. This article explores how AI in space is enabling autonomous navigation, robotic exploration, satellite intelligence and mission safety in ways that were impossible even a decade ago. A must-read for anyone tracking the future of aerospace innovation and the rise of autonomous exploration. Full article here: https://lnkd.in/gtPxPQeC #AI #SpaceTech #Aerospace #DeepSpaceExploration #ArtificialIntelligence