GITAI USA: Providing Safe and Affordable Means of Labor in Space

摘要

Providing Safe and Affordable Means of Labor in Space S. Nakanose , T. Terada , T. Kozuki GITAI USA Inc., Torrance, 90501, Established in 2016, GITAI is on a mission to revolutionize the future of space labor through cutting-edge robotics. With the costs of astronaut labor soaring, we aim to make the vision of sustainable human presence in space—from low-Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond—a reality. Within a span of a few years, we have accomplished key milestones including successful robotic operations on the ISS and contributions to lunar exploration projects. Our vertical integration strategy, powered by an expert engineering team, has propelled us to the forefront of space robotics innovation. I. Nomenclature EVA = Extravehicular Activity EVR = Extravehicular Robotics GM = GITAI motor GDS = GITAI drive system ISAM = In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing IVA = Intravehicular Activity OOS = On-Orbit Servicing TRL = Technology Readiness Level II. Introduction The commercial space industry is entering a transformative era, driven by advancements like reusable rocket technology. Though these innovations have reduced launch costs, the financial burden and risks associated with human labor in space remain significant. For instance, astronaut labor costs can exceed $100,000 per hour, including both rest and extravehicular activities (EVAs). Moreover, the astronauts often spend valuable time on routine maintenance tasks, limiting their capacity for scientific and exploratory endeavors. Here, GITAI emerges as a game-changer, committed to automating space labor through advanced robotics. Demonstrated by our successful in-space operations within the ISS in 2021, and upcoming technology validation missions, we specialize in creating robots designed for tasks ranging from space station maintenance to lunar base construction. As we prepare for our next significant milestone—a large-scale construction tower utilizing our advanced robotics—the following sections delve into our operational domains and technological innovations. III. Business Domain Operating at the cutting edge of space robotics, GITAI focuses on three vital sectors shown in Fig. 1: (1) Space Station Support, (2) On-Orbit Servicing and In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM), and (3) Lunar Base and Infrastructure Construction. In these sectors, we envision an expansive operational footprint that extends deeper into space, while concurrently achieving immediate objectives. Fig. 1 Magnetization as a function of applied fields. A. Space Station Support: Raising the Bar in Astronaut Assistance GITAI has pioneered the development of robotic arms designed to alleviate the manual load on astronauts. Our smaller arm enhances Intravehicular Activities (IVA), assisting astronauts with routine tasks within space stations. Meanwhile, our 10-meter class long arm, with its "walking" feature, can autonomously navigate from one station module to another, performing complex Extravehicular Robotics (EVR). Our smaller arm's successful in-space demonstration aboard the ISS in 2021, along with the 10-meter arm's successful 3D-motion verification under neutral buoyancy conditions, have collectively raised the bar for robotic applications in space environments. B. On-Orbit Servicing and ISAM: Leading the Future of Sustainable Missions Aiming for a technology demonstration outside the ISS in 2024, GITAI’s 2-meter class robotic arm serves as a catalyst for sustainable space missions. With its dual 8 degree-of-freedom articulations, the arm is capable of executing a multitude of on-orbit tasks, from Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) manipulation to thermal blanket adjustments. The arm has met all NASA safety criteria as safety critical payload and is slated for launch in January 2024. C. Lunar Base and Infrastructure Construction: Next-Generation Robotic Solutions for Moon Colonization GITAI is making rapid strides in the domain of Lunar Base and Infrastructure Construction, offering specia