5.01.2025
The robotic arm, known as the Relocatable Robotic Manipulator-Technology Demonstrator (RRM-TD), was activated as part of the PSLV-C60 SpaDeX mission
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone with the successful operation of its first space robotic arm aboard the POEM4 platform in space.
The robotic arm, known as the Relocatable Robotic Manipulator-Technology Demonstrator (RRM-TD), was activated as part of the PSLV-C60 SpaDeX mission.
In a post shared on X on Saturday, ISRO announced, “RRM_TD, India’s first space robotic arm, is in action onboard #POEM4! A proud #MakeInIndia milestone in space robotics."
Along with the announcement, the space agency shared a video showing the arm performing various operations in space. The footage further demonstrates the arm’s capabilities with text overlays that show key stages of its action.
The footage begins with the robotic arm unlocking and lifting from its base position, followed by more complex tasks such as “Arm manipulation with 7 actuators" and “Positioning using visual serving." This technique relies on visual information to control the robot’s motion. The video concludes with the arm returning to its base position after completing the tasks, NDTV reported.
The RRM-TD is India’s first space robotic manipulator with walking capability. Developed by ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU), it is designed with advanced technology such as indigenous robotic joints, arm controllers, and visual servoing systems. The robotic arm is also equipped with cameras for precise eye-in-hand operation and operates with multiple layers of safety features.
Meanwhile, the POEM4 mission, part of the PSLV-C60 SpaDeX mission, uses the fourth stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) as a platform for conducting scientific experiments.
These include microgravity tests and biological experiments involving living cells, marking the first time biological experiments are being conducted in space on an Indian-made rocket.
Quelle: NEWS18