What Happened
Partnership Aims to Automate Research Tasks in Commercial Space Stations
Honda’s U.S.-based space development team is working with Redwire to develop a robotic system for future commercial space stations. The system, which combines Honda’s multi-fingered robotic hand with Redwire’s STAARK robotic arm and experiment-locker technology, aims to automate experiment handling and other laboratory tasks. This partnership comes as NASA prepares to transition from the International Space Station to commercially operated stations, which are expected to use smaller crews and shorter astronaut stays. According to Honda and Redwire, the system could automate portions of research ranging from sample handling to equipment operation, and the companies plan to discuss potential applications with commercial station developers at the International Astronautical Congress. This development was reported by an unknown source.