Advancing Space Robotics for Cis-Lunar Exploration and Economic Growth

Space robotics is a burgeoning field with significant implications for human exploration and economic growth in space. The cis-lunar region, the volume within the Moon's orbit, serves as a critical testing ground for human exploration technologies and operations. This area holds immense potential for in-space metal processing and an extended presence on the lunar surface. It also offers unique opportunities to explore the history of our solar system and the Sun, addressing high-priority planetary science questions. Despite these prospects, the integration of artificial intelligence for autonomous spacecraft control, scheduling, and communications remains underdeveloped. Current research focuses on control interactions between dynamics, materials, structures, and mechanical vibrations, yet gaps persist in optimizing dynamical systems and processing noisy sensor signals.

This Research Topic aims to address the challenges and opportunities in space robotics, particularly within the cis-lunar region. The primary objectives include exploring advanced control interactions, enhancing on-orbit servicing capabilities, and integrating artificial intelligence for autonomous operations. Specific questions to be answered include how to optimize dynamical systems for space applications, how to improve signal processing for noisy sensor data, and how to effectively utilize in-situ resources like asteroid and lunar materials. Hypotheses to be tested involve the efficacy of new electromechanical designs and the potential for machine vision systems to operate under extreme lighting conditions.

To gather further insights in the realm of space robotics, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Manipulation and mobility in micro-gravity environments
- Grabbing and grappling mechanisms for satellite servicing
- Electromechanical design and control, including vibration suppression
- Machine vision for inspection and assembly under extreme lighting conditions
- Command and control interfaces, including tele-operated modes
- Power sources and consumable recharging techniques
- Radiation hardening and its effects on processing throughput
- Thermal considerations in space robot design

This comprehensive scope aims to foster a deeper understanding and innovation in space robotics, ultimately contributing to the advancement of human space exploration and economic activities in the cis-lunar region.