GITAI's S2 Robotic Arm Set for SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch to ISS on January 29

GITAI's S2 Robotic Arm Set for SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch to ISS on January 29
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 25, 2024

GITAI USA Inc., a leader in space robotics, is gearing up for a significant advancement in space technology with its 1.5-meter-long autonomous dual robotic arm system, known as S2. This novel robotic system is scheduled for launch to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard SpaceX's renowned Falcon 9 rocket (NG-20) on January 29.

The S2 robotic system has successfully passed the stringent NASA safety reviews, marking a pivotal step in its journey. Once onboard the ISS, the S2 will embark on an external demonstration of in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities. These activities are vital for the maintenance and extension of satellite operations and the construction of future space infrastructures.

GITAI's S2 will be mounted externally on the ISS, utilizing the Nanoracks Bishop Airlock. The system is designed to perform a range of on-orbit services, including maintenance, inspection, and life-extension operations for satellites. A unique feature of the S2 is its proprietary tool changer, which equips the robotic arm with the versatility to conduct various general-purpose tasks with high precision.

Sho Nakanose, Founder and CEO of GITAI, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming mission, stating, "S2 is a robot that embodies the essence of GITAI's robotics technology, incorporating the same fundamental technology used in our innovative Inchworm Robot and Lunar Rover." Nakanose emphasized the significance of this mission, noting that "The success of this demonstration will be a major milestone for GITAI, confirming the feasibility of this technology as a fully operational system in space."

The S2's mission is not just a demonstration of technical prowess but also a crucial step towards achieving Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7. This achievement indicates that the technology has been tested and proven in a space environment, which is essential for operational deployment in space missions.

GITAI's plans extend beyond this mission. The company is actively working on developing a spacecraft capable of performing various on-orbit satellite servicing tasks, including rendezvous, repair, inspection, and life extension in both Geostationary Orbit (GEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This development is indicative of GITAI's commitment to expanding the frontiers of space robotics and its applications.

This mission marks GITAI's second demonstration aboard the ISS, following the successful completion of a technology demonstration with its S1 autonomous space robot in 2021. During that mission, the S1 robot successfully executed tasks related to In-Space Assembly (ISA) and Intra-Vehicular Activity (IVA), showcasing GITAI's ongoing advancements in space robotics technology.