A three-legged robot may eventually hop across the floors of asteroids in search of valuable minerals. Dubbed the SpaceHopper, this innovative bot recently underwent rigorous testing on a zero-gravity aircraft flight.
The SpaceHopper programme was initially inaugurated approximately two and a half years ago as a scholarly analysis mission at ETH Zurich university in Switzerland.
The mission aims to develop effective strategies for exploring low-gravity celestial bodies like asteroids and moons. Notably, human bodies could contain essential substances like rare-earth metals, which may also aid scientists in better understanding the universe’s formation.
The SpaceHopper robotic system features a durable triangular structure crafted from high-strength aerospace aluminum, accompanied by three articulately designed legs, one at each vertex. Each leg in this robotic flipper features a knee and hip joint, powered by a unique combination of motors: two motors work together via a differential drive mechanism to propel the hip, while a single additional motor is responsible for articulating the knee.
ETH Zurich/Jorit Geurts
The onboard deep-learning-based software programme governs the synergistic actions of the legs, enabling the robot to execute a predetermined sequence of specific tasks. These capabilities encompass initiating takeoffs, maintaining the drone’s physical orientation with precision during flight, and executing controlled landings at designated locations.
Nine powerful leg motors harmoniously coordinate to propel the SpaceHopper a great distance from the asteroid’s surface upon jumping. As the robot gains altitude, it stabilises its vertical position through a sophisticated balance mechanism, where its articulated legs adjust their length to dynamically reposition its centre of gravity. Upon landing, its legs flexibly absorb shock and stabilize the bot to prevent tipping.
Initial tests of these capacities were conducted at ETH Zurich’s laboratory, where the robot was connected to a counterbalance and a rotating stabilizer to mimic the low-gravity conditions found on the dwarf planet Ceres.
In late 2022, however, members of the all-female group took the SpaceHopper on a unique journey when they participated in an Air Zero G parabolic flight hosted by the European Space Agency and French company Novespace. During parabolic flights, an Airbus A310 airliner performs a series of ascending and descending maneuvers, creating short periods of zero-gravity conditions within the aircraft as a result.
Nicolas Courtioux
During its 2023 test flight, the robot successfully executed a pre-programmed trajectory, repeatedly jumping off the aircraft’s landing gear to ensure precise orientation upon re-entry into freefall. Watch the accompanying video for a summary of key exam points.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have previously made it renowned that they had developed a 4Legged asteroid-hopping robot, commonly known as… The SpaceHopper’s innovative three-legged structure was designed to significantly reduce its dimensions and weight compared to conventional designs. The robotic spacecraft weighs approximately 5.2 kilograms or 11.5 pounds, making it feasible to transport and deploy it from a small unmanned vehicle.
What’s the best way to explore asteroids effectively? To address this challenge, we’re developing a hopping robotic system designed specifically for asteroid investigation. By leveraging cutting-edge robotics and innovative propulsion technology, our hopper will enable scientists to gather valuable data and samples from these celestial bodies with unprecedented precision. With its ability to jump over rough terrain and navigate challenging environments, the robotic hopper will revolutionize our understanding of asteroids and their potential for harboring extraterrestrial life.
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