Astrobee Takes Flight: NASA’s Space Robot Lightens the Load on the ISS

Since the 1950s, humanity has been relentless in its pursuit of space exploration. What began with Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, has evolved into hundreds of missions and even plans for future life on other planets. For now, most astronauts travel to space to conduct research and experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which can accommodate up to 13 crew members at a time.

While on board, astronauts are responsible for a demanding workload—conducting experiments, maintaining spacecraft systems, collecting data, and more. These numerous responsibilities can stretch the team thin and make it challenging to focus on the most critical tasks. To help ease this burden, NASA has introduced a new robotic assistant: Astrobee.

Astrobee is a next-generation robotic system developed to assist astronauts by performing some of their routine tasks. It builds upon the foundation laid by the SPHERES system, short for Synchronized Position Hold Engage and Reorient Experimental Satellites, which has been used on the ISS for over a decade. SPHERES robots maneuver using gas thrusters and are equipped with sensors and communication systems. While Astrobee incorporates many of SPHERES’ features, it also boasts improvements in design and propulsion to enhance performance.

The Astrobee system consists of three cube-shaped robots named Honey, Queen, and Bumble, all referencing bees. Unlike terrestrial robots that rely on legs, these free-flying assistants use electric fans and internal impellers to move through the station's microgravity environment. The impellers create pressurized air that is directed through adjustable nozzles, enabling precise movement in any direction. Each robot is also equipped with cameras, sensors, and a perching arm for gripping handrails and performing tasks.

So, what exactly do these robotic helpers do?

While Astrobee hasn’t yet fully replaced SPHERES, NASA plans to use the system in various experimental, technical, and documentation tasks. Astrobee can capture video and data during experiments, assist with inventory tracking, perform routine maintenance, and even transport small items across the station. These time-saving features free astronauts to focus on more complex duties—those that require human insight, such as scientific research or medical procedures.

Since their launch, they have now operated over 750 hours on the space station, conducting various functions. One main example of their current tasks is spotting component anomalies. The photo above shows one of the Astrobee robots, Honey. By listening to station components, Honey can detect anomalies in the spacecraft system and alert researchers. 

Astrobee represents a significant step forward in the integration of robotics into space missions. By supporting astronauts in everyday tasks, these floating assistants are helping to push the boundaries of what’s possible in space exploration.

Photo : Nasa