United Arab Emirates (UAE) astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, on Wednesday, introduced his friend who has been keeping him company during his six-month space mission.
Taking to Twitter, Al Neyadi shared two photos, in which he introduces “Astrobee”, a robot in the shape of a cube with blue and white lights.
“Meet my friend #Astrobee!,” Al Neyadi tweeted.
“It is a free-flying space robot, assisting us in our daily tasks, scientific experiments and educational activities. Astrobee and I are preparing something special. Stay tuned!, ” he added.
About Astrobee
- According to NASA’s website, Astrobee is a free-flying robotic system developed by NASA to help astronauts reduce the time they spend on routine tasks.
- This can include documenting experiences, taking inventories, and educational activities. Astrobee can also take photographs.
- The Astrobee system consists of three cube-shaped robots, Honey, Queen and Bumble, some software and a docking charging station used for recharging. It is about 32 cm wide.
- The three robots propel themselves using electric fans that allow them to fly through the microgravity environment of the International Space Station.
- Astrobee robots are built on knowledge gained from operating the SPHERES (Synchronous Position Hold, Engagement, Reorientation, and Experimental Satellite) that have been operating on the International Space Station for over a decade.