Key technologies of the China space station core module manipulator

Abstract

<p indent="0mm">The self-developed China space station core module manipulator is the first large-sized space robot system with Chinese characteristics. In the space station system, the manipulator undertakes important tasks, including large module transposition and auxiliary docking, support for astronauts’ extravehicular activities, status check, and equipment installation or maintenance. It is highly integrated and difficult to implement, involving many disciplines, such as mechanics, electricity, thermals, optics, and control. This paper introduces the technical scheme of this manipulator system and focuses on key technologies in the development and on-orbit task verification of the manipulator. Finally, suggestions and prospects are put forward for the future development and applications of China space station manipulators and space robots.