Astrobees: The Future of Space Research and Education Aboard the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) is home to NASA’s trio of free-flying robots known as Astrobees. These robots are helping astronauts and conducting valuable research, including investigations sponsored by the ISS National Laboratory®. In the latest issue of Upward, the official magazine of the ISS National Lab, researchers are highlighted for their use of the Astrobees to test innovative new technology with applications for future spaceflight missions and on Earth.

One project saw engineering firm Bosch partner with aerospace company Astrobotic to utilize the Astrobees to test smart microphone technology that can detect anomalies in spacecraft and equipment by analyzing sounds. In another project, researchers from MIT and the German Space Agency used the robots to test algorithms and technology aimed at recovering tumbling satellites in space. The Astrobees are also being used to cultivate the future space industry workforce through MIT’s Zero Robotics competition. Students in grades 6-12 participate in coding challenges to control the free-flying robots on the space station, giving them exposure to astronauts and inspiring interest in science and engineering careers.

Upward magazine focuses on communicating the results of ISS National Lab-sponsored experiments that showcase the value of space-based research. The full Volume 7, Issue 1 of Upward is available for download, along with previous issues.