Can Robots Really Build Space Infrastructure?

Robotics is rapidly transforming the future of space infrastructure, making possible the construction of massive solar farms in orbit—and that’s just the beginning. A recent UK-based demonstration suggests that remote-controlled robots may soon assemble gigawatt-scale solar satellites in space.

How Do Robots Assemble Structures in Space?

In a test known as AlbaTRUSS, conducted at the UKAEA’s advanced facility on the University of Oxford’s Culham Campus, researchers used dual-arm robotic manipulators operated remotely to show that robots can construct the structural framework of large-scale solar satellites.

These are no ordinary factory robots. They’re specifically engineered to function in the vacuum of space, withstand radiation, and operate without oxygen. Sam Adlen, Co-CEO of Space Solar, explained that space-based satellites can harness solar energy continuously—uninterrupted by day-night cycles—and beam it back to Earth as microwaves.

During the trial, robots successfully assembled a key structural component known as a “longeron,” a tubular element that forms the core of the satellite’s framework. Unlike the International Space Station—the largest structure built in space to date—these new satellites will require much more complex and large-scale assembly.

As highlighted in predictions about robotics for 2025, advancements in adaptive AI and sensor technologies are revolutionizing how robots operate in extreme environments.

Why Robots Are Essential for Space-Based Projects

The reason is straightforward but critical: space is hostile to human life. According to Professor Rob Buckingham, Executive Director at UKAEA, constructing a remotely controlled fusion reactor on Earth closely mirrors the challenges of building in space.

Extravehicular activities (EVAs) are costly and risky. Industry experts note that using robots to assemble and maintain space infrastructure remotely is far more efficient and safer. Consider the multibillion-dollar Space Shuttle missions required to repair the Hubble Telescope—these were rare exceptions, not the norm, due to their extreme cost and risk.

UKAEA’s collaboration with Space Solar highlights key parallels between nuclear fusion and space robotics—both operate without oxygen and can function under various levels of radiation. This technological synergy could accelerate innovations across both fields.

The potential for space infrastructure isn’t limited to solar panels. These advancements could enable projects such as orbital data centers, lunar communications hubs, and even Martian mining facilities.

Technical Challenges in Robotic Space Construction

Building in space presents unique difficulties far beyond Earth-based construction. One major issue is communication latency—remotely operating a robot on the Moon involves several seconds of delay, making real-time control impractical for precision tasks.

As a result, autonomous systems are vital. Due to the speed-of-light limitation, robots must be equipped with sophisticated AI that allows them to make real-time decisions independently.

Neuromorphic computing is emerging as a key solution. With low energy consumption and minimal heat output, these systems can deliver up to five times more processing power using the same energy budget—ideal for space environments.

Materials and robot design also pose challenges. The robots must endure extreme temperatures, from -270°C in shadow to over 120°C in sunlight, as well as cosmic radiation and micrometeorite impacts. Plus, the absence of gravity creates entirely different movement dynamics compared to Earth.

We’ve previously examined the risks and opportunities of autonomous robotics, emphasizing the importance of clear safety standards in system design.

When Will Robots Begin Building in Space?

That future is closer than many expect. Space Solar plans to launch its first 30-megawatt demonstration system by 2029, with gigawatt-scale deployment expected in the early 2030s.

To put that in perspective: a 30 MW system could power around 1,000 homes, while a gigawatt could meet the energy needs of a mid-sized city. The envisioned structures are enormous, spanning several kilometers in length and roughly 20 meters in width.

AlbaTRUSS, supported by a Proof of Concept grant from the Science and Technology Facilities Council, is just the beginning. NASA is also working on its ARMADAS initiative (Automated Reconfigurable Mission Adaptive Digital Assembly Systems), which aims to build self-assembling orbital and lunar structures.

The global race is already underway, with the European Space Agency, NASA, and various startups across the UK, US, China, and Japan pursuing solar space power and infrastructure development.

Economic and Environmental Impacts

While the financial figures are eye-watering—a gigawatt-scale prototype could cost between €15–20 billion—the long-term benefits could outweigh the initial investment, especially considering decades of potential operation.

The energy advantage is undeniable: compared to a solar panel installed on Earth, an identical one in orbit would collect over 13 times more energy. Space offers uninterrupted solar access, free from weather interference or nightfall.

Still, the environmental impact is complex. Launching such massive satellites might require hundreds of rocket missions, contributing to Earth’s atmospheric pollution. It’s an ironic trade-off: using clean energy in space might come at a cost to the environment during launch.

The UKAEA and Space Solar partnership aims to position the UK at the forefront of the rapidly growing ISAM (In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing) sector, which is expected to reach vast market potential in the coming decades.

Professor Buckingham sees even broader implications: from lunar bases to Martian habitats, this is about more than infrastructure—it’s about securing energy and expanding humanity’s presence in the cosmos.

The Future Is Already Taking Shape

The AlbaTRUSS demonstration represents a pivotal moment in our ability to construct advanced space structures. This is no longer speculative science fiction—it’s engineering in progress, backed by clear timelines and real-world funding.

As humanity ventures further into the cosmos, robotic systems will form the foundation of our expansion. With increasing experience in orbital construction, these technologies could soon be used to build permanent facilities on the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

In just a few decades, billions of people may look up and see the glow of space-based infrastructure lighting the lunar surface. What seems like a futuristic dream today could soon be a familiar sight from our windows.

Robots are literally building the bridge to our interstellar future—and that bridge begins with the innovative space structures now taking shape through human ingenuity and robotic precision.

Read the original article on: Futuro Prossimo

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