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NASA commander Suni Williams meets tentacled Astrobee robot on ISS

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The robot's flexible arms are a technology demonstration that could one day aid in satellite maintenance and space debris management.

an astronaut in a black long sleeve shirt floats in a cluttered space station behind a cubical robot with two blue tentacles like bunny ears.
NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Commander Suni Williams checks out the Astrobee robotic free-flyer in the Kibo laboratory module outfitted with tentacle-like arms containing gecko-like adhesive pads to demonstrate satellite capture techniques. Development of this robotic technology may increase the life span of satellites and enable the removal of space debris. (Image credit: NASA)

An Astrobee robotic free-flyer with tentacle-like arms was tested in a demonstration experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

NASA astronaut Suni Williams, who is currently serving as Expedition 72 Commander on the ISS, poses with the robotic flyer in the Kibo laboratory module in a new photo shared by NASA. Williams can be seen imitating the robot's curved arms, which are designed to wrap around objects to aid in satellite maintenance and space debris management.

Astrobee is one of three cube-shaped robotic systems developed by NASA to assist astronauts aboard the space station. The free-flying robots perform various tasks, including documenting experiments or taking inventory, and are able to navigate, dock and recharge themselves autonomously within the orbiting lab.

The tentacle-like arms were fitted to one of the Astrobee robots on the space station as part of an innovative technology demonstration called Responsive Engaging Arms for Captive Care and Handling (REACCH).

Related: Meet the Astrobees! These tiny, cube-shaped robots have arrived in space

The flexible arms that extend from the robot's body are equipped with gecko-like adhesive pads that are designed to mimic the reptile's ability to cling to surfaces, which could, in turn, help future spacecraft capture space objects (such as satellites or debris) regardless of their size, shape or surface material, according to the NASA experiment page.

The REECH technology was used with an Astrobee to test how the tentacle-like arms would perform in the environment of the space station. The technology demonstration also aims to study the physics of interactions among multiple free-floating objects and REECH's ability to safely and repeatedly capture and relocate objects in orbit. If successful, REECH could be used to service satellites in space as well as assist with orbital maneuvers and debris removal to maximize the lifespan of spacecraft in low Earth orbit.

"Development of this robotic technology may increase the lifespan of satellites and enable the removal of space debris," NASA officials said in the statement releasing the new photo.

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The tests on the space station included using the arms during free-floating target capture, in which the targets were made of different materials and had varying surface conditions. The goal of the tests were for the arms to demonstrate the ability to securely capture different objects in a microgravity environment.

Williams took over command of the ISS on Sept. 22. She has been on the space station since June 6 alongside astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore after their planned eight-day mission was extended following issues with the Starliner spacecraft that rendered it unable to carry them back to Earth. The pair is expected to return home in February 2025 with SpaceX Crew-9.

Originally posted on Space.com.

Samantha Mathewson
Space.com Contributor