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Chinese robot inspired by NASA’s shelved project managed to weave an antenna in the laboratory and rekindles the possibility of manufacturing light, resistant, and directly assembled space structures outside Earth
China has advanced with the spider robot SpiderFab, a robot inspired by a NASA project capable of weaving carbon fiber structures, such as antennas and solar panels, in a proposal that could reduce payload limits on space missions.
SpiderFab works like a space 3D printer
The SpiderFab was designed to assemble structures in space, instead of carrying everything ready inside a spacecraft.
The idea resembles a 3D printer that acts like a spider, weaving components with carbon fiber thread.
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For now, the tests are modest. The robot only managed to weave an antenna, and the experiment took place in a terrestrial laboratory, not in orbit. It still needs to be proven whether the process works in microgravity.
Even so, the results are promising. The advancement is noteworthy because it revives an old NASA ambition and shows that China managed to circumvent some of the problems that stalled the original project.
Spider robot: Project originated at NASA, but was eventually shelved
The idea for SpiderFab originated at NASA, in partnership with Tethers Unlimited. Initially, the project seemed to be progressing well, but the agency encountered enough obstacles to halt the proposal’s advancement.
The main problems were related to the fitting of parts in space and the resistance of the produced structures.
Without a safe solution for these two points, the orbital manufacturing of large components remained far from practical application.
China has resumed this path with important changes. Instead of using pure carbon fiber, the Chinese are working with spools of carbon fiber composites, more complex materials that maintain lightness and offer resistance.
Joints eliminate screws and glue
Another change is in the way manufactured parts are joined. The Chinese spider robot produces assembly joints that allow parts to be fitted together without relying on screws or glue, two elements that would complicate space assembly.
In extreme situations, the union could resort to laser fusion. This possibility appears as an alternative to reinforce connections when mechanical fitting is not sufficient to ensure structural stability.
These adaptations address the points that stalled the initial proposal. The manufacturing of joints and the use of resistant composites help explain why Chinese tests overcame some of NASA’s barriers.
Payload limit makes the robot strategic
The interest in SpiderFab is linked to a basic problem of space missions: every spacecraft has a payload limit. This limit involves the available physical space and the cost of fuel to place structures in orbit.
One solution used in some cases is to send folded components and open them later, at the destination or during the journey. This was the case with the mirrors of the James Webb Space Telescope, launched in a compact form.
This type of strategy is not always viable. Therefore, a robot capable of weaving antennas or solar panels in space gains relevance, as it could reduce the need to transport large, ready-made structures.
China still needs to test the system in space
China went further than NASA with SpiderFab, but the project is still in a limited phase. The ground test does not eliminate doubts about its performance in space.
The robot still needs to be evaluated in microgravity, including during its assembly. It will also be necessary to verify if the structure withstands adverse space conditions, such as cosmic radiation, before any widespread space application.
The advancement puts scientists on a promising path, but one surrounded by decisive steps. The Chinese SpiderFab rekindles an idea that NASA could not carry forward, although it does not yet allow celebrating actual use in orbit.
With information from Xataka.
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