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Completed TRL 5 (started at 5, targeting 6)
As ISS continues its transformation into a “National Laboratory for scientific, technological, diplomatic, and educational purposes and for supporting future objectives in human space exploration”, crew time will continue to be at a premium. By contributing to a mobile IVA Robonaut that is capable of operating semi-autonomously with monitoring from the ground, more crew time can be devoted for science, experimentation, technology demonstration, and outreach. Currently mounted with a fixed torso on ISS, Robonaut 2 has been experimenting with tasks appropriate for offloading crew workload with activities such as working with buttons and switches, wiping handrails and performing airflow measurements. The next step in the Robonaut roadmap is adding mobility in the relative safety of the interior of ISS. The flight battery is slated for launch on SpaceX-5, and will provide power to a mobile Robonaut 2.
This task continues to move Robonaut 2 towards becoming a mobile IVA robot on ISS. This is the next step towards the eventual goal of NASA having a robotic assistant (be it Robonaut 2, 3, etc.) able to perform as a member of the team in any NASA mission, either as an IVA or EVA assistant. This task will complete development of two battery ground units for Robonaut 2 required for operating Robonaut 2 on ISS. The first is completing testing of the engineering development unit battery and the second is to deliver the fleet leader battery. The fleet leader battery is used to safely bring the IVA flight battery to life by performing all charging/ discharging profiles and idle periods on the ground prior to performing them in space. After delivery of the batteries, HRS will continue to support battery operations throughout the fiscal year. As part of the qualification process, batteries will go through the phase 3 ISS Payload Safety Review Panel/Safety Review Panel, currently scheduled to begin during Q1 of FY2014.
In parallel to battery development, HRS will also provide climbing algorithm and application development support through vision system development.
The battery pack for Robonaut will provide Robonaut with the capability to move about in the interior of ISS without the need for continual access to a power cable (once the already provided IVA legs have been integrated). This will enable Robonaut to reach new areas within ISS, perform tasks that were not feasible previously, and will potentially lead the way to eventually being able to perform EVA activities (once some of the systems have been upgraded for space vacuum operability). The more routine tasks that Robonaut can perform autonomously for the crew, the more time they will have to perform complex science tasks.
Future applications of this safe, energy-dense battery technology would be applicable to other space robots and terrestrial systems. An EVA capable Robonaut could someday be controlled tele-robotically from the ground to perform dangerous maintenance on the exterior of ISS, allowing the astronaut crew to focus on the mission at hand.
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