A robot developed by specialists at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has independently carried out a construction task in space for the first time. It successfully assembled a multi-component antenna structure in Earth’s orbit, reports “New Atlas”.

As part of the experiment, the robot was tasked with assembling a 1.4-metre-wide reflector antenna using composite tubes, aluminium connectors and a reflective coating. Two sections of the structure were delivered to space in a pre-assembled state, while the robot independently completed the assembly of the third section in orbit.

The key feature of the experiment was that the robot carried out the task without the direct involvement of engineers. Since communication sessions with Earth lasted no longer than 15 minutes, the scientists first tested each operation using a laboratory model of the robot. Only after that were the relevant commands sent to the device in space.

According to the specialists, this experiment represents an important step towards the possibility of constructing very large structures in space, potentially extending for kilometres. In the future, such robots could transport the materials needed for construction into orbit and independently build space facilities designed for people to live in for extended periods.