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(IANS)
A US-based startup aims to build robotic outposts and spacecraft sent to space near the Moon.
Quantum Space, formed in 2021, is run by Steve Jurczyk, who served as NASA’s associate administrator beginning in 2018. The Verge reported that it aims to create a fleet of robotic helpers that can do various tasks near the Moon, such as providing internet capabilities, collecting data, refuelling spacecraft, and assembling structures in lunar space.
As NASA is also focused on returning to the Moon, Jurczyk said that it aims to create vehicles that will aid the US space agency in its upcoming lunar missions, including Artemis.
“We know there’s going to be a lot of activity around and on the Moon in the coming decade, primarily driven by Artemis,” Jurczyk, president and CEO of Quantum, was quoted as saying to The Verge.
“But you know, national security—where civil spaces go, national security will have to go also,” he added.
NASA plans to create an internet-like system of communications infrastructure around the Moon called LunaNet. This would be less reliant on Earth technologies for navigation, communication, and data relays.
To work in tandem with NASA, Quantum Space plans to develop a robotic outpost that could potentially help with communication in the region of space between regular Earth orbits and the Moon, known as cislunar space, the report said.
“We believe we can be a node or nodes in that network, for both spacecraft in orbit as well as spacecraft on the surface,” he said.
Further, the company envisions providing space traffic services for spacecraft travelling around the Moon. There are also options to observe the climate of Earth from a unique vantage point and characterize near-Earth objects like asteroids.
Quantum Space also wants to create its robotic servicing spacecraft. This satellite mechanic can refuel the outpost and other nearby vehicles and conduct repairs, extending outposts’ lifetime in cislunar space. The report said that the idea would also boost the growing satellite servicing industry, which is already trying to create servicing robots that can fix satellites in orbit around the Earth.
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