14 DAY TRIAL // Robonaut 2 is a next-generation robotic explorer that has been constructed specifically to work in space, alongside real astronauts. Its mission will be to assist its human colleagues during spacewalks, by grabbing hold and keeping tool bags and other instruments. A prototype of the instrument is already functional, and experts at NASA and General Motors – the collaboration which designed and built Robonaut 2 – announced that it will fly to the International Space Station (ISS) this fall.
If its mission is successful, then astronauts could expect to see a lot more of these robots in space. The possible applications for these advanced machines are remarkable, and span numerous fields of research other than space exploration. One of the main objectives NASA will follow is how its human space fliers interact with the robotic assistant, as this will inform the agency on whether there's any point in continuing with the initiative. But there's still a long way to go until then. For now, Robonaut 2 has just introduced itself to the world, by tweeting its first message, PhysOrg reports.
Tweeting under the name @AstroRobonaut, the machine said “Hello World! My name is Robonaut 2 – R2 for short. Follow my adventures here as I prepare for space!” Undoubtedly, the machine and the team handling it will continue to update the mission's Twitter page with information detailing the state of preparations. At this point, the instrument is set to launch to the orbital lab aboard space shuttle Discovery, during the STS-133 mission. This is the orbiter's last planned spaceflight before being retired, according to the space program proposed by US President Barack Obama.
Robonaut 2 was created in Houston, Texas, at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). In September, it will be delivered to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), in Cape Canaveral, Florida. This facility is home to the US space shuttle fleet. Here, the robots will undergo additional tests, and will then be packaged and readied for launch. R2 will take off inside the Leonardo Permanent Multipurpose Module, which will be packed with supplies and equipment for the station and then installed permanently on the Unity node.