ROSAIA, the new frontier of space robotics for orbital maintenance

ROSAIA, acronym for “Continuous parallel RObot with Active Damping on Artificial Intelligence“, is a multi-arm system designed for In-Orbit Servicing activities, developed by the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) with funding from the Italian Space Agency (ASI). The prototype was unveiled on the occasion of the Busalla Space Festival, highlighting new technological solutions for operational management in orbit. The technical challenge faced by the system lies in need to operate in conditions of microgravity and absence of friction, contexts in which the manipulation of objects, be they active satellites or uncontrolled space debris, requires extreme precision in the control of attitude and speed. The device stands out for its architecture, based on four flexible arms approximately 75 centimeters long, capable of integrating active and passive damping to absorb shocks during coupling, inspection and maintenance manoeuvres.

Image credits AerCast

The scalability of the design allows the manipulator to be adapted to different sizes based on specific mission needs. A central element of architecture is the integration of a control system based on artificial intelligence, designed to communicate in real time with the host satellite, managing movements autonomously and guaranteeing the operational stability of the entire system. This approach responds to the growing need to safeguard the orbital infrastructure through approach and docking maneuvers performed with high safety standards.

The ROSAIA project represents an advancement in robotic manipulation technologies, in fact it stands as a fundamental tool for extending the operational life of satellites and for mitigating the problem of space debris. The synergy between the technological research of the IIT and the strategic vision of the ASI confirms Italy as a reference point in the development of advanced robotic solutions, capable of tackling the structural and dynamic complexities typical of new generation space operations.

By Editor