Advancing Space Robotics to improve European competitiveness

Strategic Research Cluster (SRC) on space robotics technologies 16 projects67 beneficiaries€51.6 million EU contribution

Space research is undergoing an unprecedented revolution and automation as well as robotics are at its core.

The EU has funded a Strategic Research Cluster (SRC) under the Horizon 2020 Research & Innovation programme to foster the use of robotics for orbital applications and for space exploration.

The cluster was composed of interconnected projects, each tackling a different technological challenge involving space robotics. PERASPERA (and its successor PERASPERA-X) contributed to the implementation of the SRC with roadmaps and technical support from national space agencies and the European Space Agency.

The cluster began by developing technological building blocks to serve different scenarios in space, such as robotic satellite servicing and space exploration.

The SRC ended in 2023 with successful demonstrations integrating the building blocks and brought Europe to the forefront of international efforts to increase automation in space.

PERIOD - SPACE FACTORIES OF THE FUTURE
Have you ever heard of a satellite made-in-Space in a robotised factory? The PERASPERA In-Orbit Demonstration (PERIOD) developed the first study of how this could be done. Using the International Space Station (ISS) as hosting platform in orbit, the project built a demonstrator showcasing how a robotic arm can autonomously modify and assemble modules with the help of standard interconnectors. The project ended in December 2022. PERIOD video - highlights

Have you ever heard of a satellite made-in-Space in a robotised factory?
The PERASPERA In-Orbit Demonstration (PERIOD) developed the first study of how this could be done. Using the International Space Station (ISS) as hosting platform in orbit, the project built a demonstrator showcasing how a robotic arm can autonomously modify and assemble modules with the help of standard interconnectors. The project ended in December 2022.

PERIOD video - highlights

CoRob-X - ONE GIANT LEAP FOR COOPERATING ROBOTS
CoRob-X demonstrated in a moon-like analogue setting how a set of three different rovers can cooperate and explore a real lava tube, like those on the Moon. Space exploration technologies can also be used on Earth. For example, the project applied the technologies to an industrial mining scenario with different robots including an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). CoRob-X Field Trials Lanzarote CoRob-X terrestrial mining demonstration

CoRob-X demonstrated in a moon-like analogue setting how a set of three different rovers can cooperate and explore a real lava tube, like those on the Moon.

Space exploration technologies can also be used on Earth. For example, the project applied the technologies to an industrial mining scenario with different robots including an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

CoRob-X Field Trials Lanzarote

CoRob-X terrestrial mining demonstration

EROSS+ & EROSS IOD - AT YOUR SERVICE
Space Robots are at the heart of on-orbit servicing – they can repair, refuel and upgrade satellites. EROSS+ has been working on developing a concept for servicing space vehicles. It has designed a ground demonstrator integrating technologies such as autonomous robotic operations, navigation and capture. EROSS+ final results The European Robotic Orbital Support Services In Orbit Demonstrator EROSS IOD has just kicked-off building on the results of the SRC. It aims to mature the necessary technologies for robotic on-orbit servicing and to launch them to space by 2026. EROSS IOD vision

Space Robots are at the heart of on-orbit servicing – they can repair, refuel and upgrade satellites.
EROSS+ has been working on developing a concept for servicing space vehicles. It has designed a ground demonstrator integrating technologies such as autonomous robotic operations, navigation and capture.

EROSS+ final results

The European Robotic Orbital Support Services In Orbit Demonstrator EROSS IOD has just kicked-off building on the results of the SRC. It aims to mature the necessary technologies for robotic on-orbit servicing and to launch them to space by 2026.

EROSS IOD vision

The future space ecosystem

The cluster has delivered impressive results and has contributed significantly to a new impetus for in-space activities including servicing and assembling satellites in orbit and removing debris.

Congratulations to the 16 consortia and 67 beneficiaries for successfully implementing the Horizon 2020 Strategic Research Cluster on Space Robotics Technologies and for bringing Europe closer to an intelligent Future Space Ecosystem!

General publications
11 May 2023

List of projects and budgets