Slashdot Mirror
Robonaut "B" Getting Ready for Space
mykepredko writes "CNN has more about Robonaut B, which is an updated version of the original Robonaut including mobility using a modified Segway or a 'Space Leg' which allows it to use handholds on the ISS. I was expecting to see that it was being primarily developed for Hubble, but it should also be very useful for the ISS, allowing astronauts to stay inside when construction resumes."
It's much safer for the astronauts to be inside instead of outside the station. Would you be happy if it were autonomous? Because really, the first step I would think is to make something that works first, even if it needs outside input, before making it completely autonomous.
WWJD.... for a Klondike bar?
it is also much safer for the astronauts to be at home. Hardly makes sense putting a robot up there for them to remote control when they could remote control it from earth.
Latency is a big problem when remote-controlling from Earth. If the controlled robot is directly above the control station, latency is low. Anywhere else, and you have to route the signal up to half way around the planet before it reaches the station. You either get high latency, short control windows, or both.
Having astronauts in the station controlling a robot outside it is a far nicer situation, if you want anything done quickly or if you want to be able to respond to quickly-changing situations.
One part of the mission I don't understand, however:
Why throw away the robot? Why not leave it up there so it is available for future servicing missions? If something goes wrong, it can then be used immediately, or if new parts or batteries are needed, only the parts or batteries need to be spacelifted.