Intelligent Space Robots: Advances in Autonomy, Control, and Operations for On-Orbit Assembly and Servicing

Space robotics has undergone a remarkable evolution over the past decades, expanding from simple fixed-arm manipulators on early space stations to a diverse ecosystem of robotic platforms. Today, the field encompasses everything from compact deployable systems and free-flying inspectors to mobile planetary explorers and, most recently, intelligent large-scale manipulators capable of constructing orbital infrastructure. On-orbit assembly enables building large space structures (telescopes, solar sails, antennas) by launching standard modules independently and assembling them in space, overcoming launch vehicle limitations. For intelligent space robots, complexity increases with spacecraft clusters comprising both rigid and flexible spacecraft, as flexible appendages introduce distinct dynamic behaviors during rendezvous and docking. Furthermore, on-orbit servicing and active debris removal have become critical priorities for spacefaring nations. With a large number of satellites launched, the need for intelligent robotic systems to repair, refuel, upgrade, and de-orbit spacecraft is urgent.Recent advances have explored novel structural topologies inspired by fractal geometry, offering self-similarity and scalability for ultralight space systems with improved strength-to-mass ratios. For intelligent space robots, autonomous control remains challenging under dynamic coupling and uncertainties to enable robust assembly strategies. Combining these controllers with collision avoidance mechanisms presents additional challenges in ensuring safe multi-spacecraft maneuvering during proximity operations. This research topic focuses specifically on intelligent space robots, with particular emphasis on the challenges and innovations associated with their autonomy, control, and operation for on-orbit assembly and servicing. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:1) Design and development of intelligent space robots2) Nature-inspired assembly strategies and topologies3) Dynamics and control of large-scale manipulators4) Collision avoidance and safe maneuvering5) Motion planning and vision-based estimation6) Vibration suppression and structural control for large-scale robots7) Autonomous multi-spacecraft coordination and formation control8) AI and learning-based approaches for intelligent space robots9) Modeling, simulation, and experimental validation Topic editors: Ti Chen, Javad Tayebi, Hamid Mofidi, Huijiang Wang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80025/intelligent-space-robots-advances-in-autonomy-control-and-operations-for-on-orbit-assembly-and-servicing