Key Takeaways
- Three student teams from European universities conducted innovative experiments at ESA’s Orbital Robotics Laboratory.
- Projects included robotic arms for autonomous crawling, human balance perception in microgravity, and gecko-inspired object grasping technologies.
- The ESA Academy Experiments Programme enhances students’ practical skills and offers mentorship from industry experts.
Innovative Student Experiments at ESA’s Orbital Robotics Lab
Last autumn, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Orbital Robotics Laboratory (ORL) welcomed three student teams from different universities to participate in the ESA Academy Experiments Programme. This initiative enabled students to carry out experiments using ESA’s state-of-the-art test facilities, where they received expert guidance.
One of the key features of the ORL is the ORBIT facility, which provides a 43 m² ultra-flat floor with minimal height variation, allowing for frictionless movement of testing platforms equipped with air bearings. This setup simulates a microgravity environment, ideal for experimenting with space technologies.
The Skywalker team from Aalborg University, Denmark, focused on teaching a robotic arm to crawl autonomously in microgravity. Their work involved developing reinforcement learning algorithms that enable the arm to find and anchor itself. Team member Rasmus Kristiansen noted a challenge with their second algorithm but explained they successfully identified the issue, ensuring smooth testing. The project’s goal is to enhance robotic capabilities for constructing and maintaining large structures in space.
The V-STARS team, comprising students from Birkbeck University and the University of Kent, made history with the first ORBIT experiment involving human participants. They examined the vestibular system’s role in body balance and vertical perception in microgravity. Team member Milena da Silva Baiao described using controlled noise to enhance balance perception during the experiment, which involved 22 participants in a virtual reality setup. The team faced challenges but valuable lessons were learned in executing complex experiments.
The GRASP team from Sapienza University, Italy, aimed to grasp non-cooperative objects in space using a gecko-inspired robotic arm. Their project simulated a spacecraft capturing an object using an adhesive gripper that mimics the unique adhesion properties of geckos. Team member Stefano De Gasperin emphasized the importance of precision in their experiments to gather high-quality scientific data.
Marti Vilella, manager of the ORL, praised the transformative experience for students, highlighting that the projects not only advance technology but also help shape the students’ professional careers. Laura Borella, coordinator of the ESA Academy Experiments Programme, added that the initiative integrates various academic fields, enabling students from diverse disciplines, including design and psychology, to contribute valuable insights.
The ESA Academy Experiments Programme not only fosters innovation in space technology but also provides students with hands-on experience, equipping them with skills applicable to real-world space missions. This comprehensive approach enhances their academic pursuits while preparing them for future careers in the space industry. For further information on ESA education initiatives, visit the ESA Learn portal.
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