Free-Flyer Space Robot

The Autonomous System Lab's (ASL) space robotics facility includes the Free Flyer, an autonomous free-flying space robot. Floating on its air bearing and navigating on top of a smooth granite table using eight cold-gas CO2 thrusters, the platform simulates a 2D space environment where a variety of autonomy algorithms can be developed, validated, and verified for deployment. 

Demo: We challenge you to try controlling the Free Flyer yourself! You'll quickly see how difficult it can be to efficiently and safely control a system with such low control authority, and appreciate how next-generation algorithms can bridge this gap and enable the autonomous space missions of tomorrow.