What Happened
New York Startup Prepares Dexterous Mobile Robot for Space Missions
Icarus Robotics, a New York startup, has conducted tests of its free-flying robot Joy on four parabolic flights in Canada ahead of a 2027 demonstration on the International Space Station. The testing demonstrated the performance of Joy’s flight controller, sensor suite, and manipulation capabilities. Icarus personnel also rehearsed scheduling, crew coordination, and safety procedures. The company’s CEO, Ethan Barajas, noted that the test marks a turning point for space robotics and the commercial space era. This development was first reported by SpaceNews.