External servicing testbed for automation and robotics

Abstract

The External Servicing Testbed for Automation and Robotics (ESTAR) was developed on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA) as an open system suitable for easy implementation of new control concepts, algorithms and operational procedures, and integration of new components and subsystems. In this article, the authors present experimental results relevant to the execution of a reference task for space robotics, namely the replacement of an orbital replacement unit (ORU).