Space ROS: A Modular Framework for Cost-Effective, Reusable Space Robotics Systems

The Space Robot Operating System (Space ROS) is a transformative software framework for accelerating the development and deployment of complex, scalable, and modular space robotics systems. It provides common software infrastructure enabling interoperability between diverse robot hardware components and software systems, from individual components to fully autonomous robots interfacing with spacecraft systems. This approach promises to significantly reduce development cycles and implementation costs, paralleling how standardized robot operating systems like ROS 2 catalyzed terrestrial robotics. In Phase I PickNik demonstrated Space ROS feasibility through migration of a complex terrestrial ROS-based system to Space ROS. The implementation successfully integrated multiple system elements, including NASA's core Flight Software (cFS) and the RACS2 (RACS2 = ROS2 and cFS System) bridge developed by JAXA. Phase I validation utilized and expanded existing automated testing protocols to establish functional equivalence between Space ROS and its terrestrial ROS counterpart. This Phase II effort will validate Space ROS through three key objectives: (1) high fidelity recreation of a previous satellite mission, (2) evaluation and documentation of this mission rebuild, and most importantly (3) a flight demonstration via a commercial payload provider. This approach addresses critical aspects of space robotics software development while establishing foundational patterns for future mission deployment. The culminating flight test will demonstrate Space ROS’s capability to manage critical spacecraft functions and provide the critical flight heritage to encourage future Space ROS adoption. Our software platform, MoveIt Pro, is the primary way to monetize our work on Space ROS, and Space ROS is key to elevating the TRL and utility of MoveIt Pro for space. MoveIt Pro serves automation and robotic needs in the emerging areas of CLD, ISAM/SAML, ADR, lunar and planetary missions.