World in search of a clean, renewable source of energy? Electricity demand is increasing twice as fast as overall energy use and is likely to rise 76% by Can space based power can augment our energy needs? Could we solve the weather problem of SBSP by using intercontinental power grid and feeding into grid from multiple sites across globally ? Global power grid evolution may be a solution? By beaming space power with 40% efficiency, it can act as another renewable source of energy

History of SBSP Since 1970s space based solar power has been in the discussions, but because of its huge capital investments, the idea has not been feasible to date. Conventional approach hydro, nuclear fossil coal still much cheaper New legislation for clean power, national security helps to rethink and reconstitute SBSP strategy. New scenario different architectures have been proposed, each have its own merits and limitations. Microwave transmission - 82% efficiency can be achieved whereas laser based approach offers more flexibility because of its less complex transmitter receiver design - beam power density is a concern Recent, microwave power transmission demonstrated, in conjunction with solar energy capture, between a mountain top in Maui and the main island of Hawaii (92 miles away), by a team under John C. Mankins also favors a microwave approach.

What is a co-robot? Co robots are robots that interact with humans and work along with humans. It can be remotely controlled (teleoperated) by humans in a more precise way by using latest technologies like exo- skeleton. Co robots will also learn the task which we teach them to do. It is analogous to a child learning from their parents or teachers. They employ neural network algorithms Developing Robonaut as a co-worker for SBSP and other future missions like Contour Crafting and Mars missions will be a huge leap to highly effective/economic space robotics

Everyday CoRobots

Google Car

Everyday CoRobots – Boeing 787

CoRobots at Work

co-robots and related technologies Real-time interaction requires rapid response systems Quicker / Shorter command and control feedback loops New developments in learning algorithms – neural networks Swarm intelligence for quicker task completion Faster processors, less power, simpler design ARM chips in consumer electronics Agile, low intertia electromechanical system response Nanotechnology, miniature electromechanical systems(MEMS)

Why Co-Robots ? Robots can work in any environment Radiation, vacuum, heat, cold, subsea not a concern They don’t need life - support Avoid humans in risky and hazardous tasks Avoid Risky EVA Co-robots offer new and sophisticated level of control Co-Robots use Teleoperations

Co-Robot technologies Real-time interaction requires rapid response systems Quicker / Shorter command and control feedback loops New developments in learning algorithms – neural networks Swarm intelligence for quicker task completion Faster processors, less power, simpler design – ARM chips in consumer electronics Agile, low intertia electromechanical system response – Nanotechnology, miniature electromechanical systems(MEMS)

A co-root satellite designed by german aerospace satellite robot Justin, which can be used for repairs of satellite with the help of a tele-presence on earth er_embedded#! Is this the future robonaut? Justin, a co-robot created by German space agency for repair satellites

Concept: In five years a ISS based SBSP demo is possible? Idea is to attach a large solar array to ISS and transmit energy from ISS to ground or another orbit at least for a short period. Approach of assembling of large solar arrays and its maintenance has to be done by a team of co – robots. Since we have already constructed the prototype, robonaut 2, with small upgrades we can make it a co-robot for future missions After developing the next robonaut, we could use these robots as satellites and can be deployed to any orbit which it can be controlled remotely from ISS for construction and maintenance of a solar array. Two Atlas / Delta heavy brings up all the arrays and parts to co-orbiting point near ISS A rudimentaryof a solar array construction by multiple robonaut is depicted below

Step 1: Connecting a microwave transmitter to ISS on orbit

F Step2: Using robonauts to attach large arrays to the microwave antennae with human teleoperator controlling them from ISS or from Earth

Expected result of the experiment A successful demonstration of ISS and a human-co-robot orbital demonstration The algorithms learned would be installed and this will eventually make next step for making autonomous robots commercially. A successful transmission of space based solar power can inspire world to do more research and will eventually work as a fund raiser. This will prove ISS can be used beyond science experiments. Later attachment on the testbeds can be achieved in future, if a better architecture is proposed. This testbed can act as a global test area for SBSP By co-robot algorithms, we can eventually replace astronauts in satellite maintenance, and eventually for EVA on Moon and Mars settlement buildup.

Limitations and Future Prospects Very little power, fast slew rate/tracking and other disadvantages of LEO based power transmitters/collectors exist. A future higher orbit SBSP can be used and can be attached to this test bed. In my opinion, we need to make the robonaut prototype more common and should collaborate with Microsoft, Willow Garage and other robotic companies by making simulations and encourage universities to research on it. We can dream of a future with robotic labor:-”roboworkers” roaming around the solar system

References sattelites.xhtml THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF SPACE SOLAR POWER: OPPORTUNITIES, ISSUES AND POTENTIAL PATHWAYS FORWARD region-powers-toward-interconnection.html DOE