Space robot. This dextrous machine is the Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) payload, a pioneering robot designed to inspect and repair satellites in geosynchronous orbit around Earth. Satellites in geosynchronous orbit, about 36,000 kilometres above Earth, are crucial for military, government and commercial communications, as well as Earth-observing science. There is currently no way to repair or upgrade these spacecraft, so they become space junk if broken. The RSGS, a project of the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is aiming to change that. If successful, it could transform the lifespan of satellites in orbit.
U.S. Navy photo by Sarah Peterson
