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What exactly is R2? R2 is a robotic helper for the space station. With hands and arms and stereovision, is expected to perform some of the repetitive or more mundane functions inside the orbiting laboratory to free astronauts for more complicated tasks and experiments. It could one day also go along on space walks.
Making sure the first humanoid robot to head into space still works when it gets there has been the focus of workers at NASA's Kennedy and Johnson space centers. Engineers and technicians with decades of experience among them packing for space have spent the last few months devising a plan to secure the 330-pound machine against the fierce vibrations and intense gravity forces during launch.
Eventually this robot helper will assist Astronauts in space walks with its sophisticated software and electronics this robot can perform any number of tasks programmed into it.
This Robonaut was not meant to fly at first. Instead, it was strictly a developmental model to be tested and perfected on the ground. However, it was adapted for flight and has tested well for launch.? This opens up many possibilities for NASA and the future of space station operations. My only question is Does it do dishes?
This aerospace article was written and complied by resident news editor James Abbey.
NASA's R2 Robonaut
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