NASA commander Suni Williams meets tentacled Astrobee robot on ISS

an astronaut in a black long sleeve shirt floats in a cluttered space station behind a cubical robot with two blue tentacles like bunny ears. — NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Commander Suni Williams checks out the Astrobee robotic free-flyer in the Kibo laboratory module outfitted with tentacle-like arms containing gecko-like adhesive pads to demonstrate satellite capture techniques. Development of this robotic technology may increase the life span of satellites and enable the removal of space debris. (Image credit: NASA)

An Astrobee robotic free-flyer with tentacle-like arms was tested in a demonstration experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

NASA astronaut Suni Williams, who is currently serving as Expedition 72 Commander on the ISS, poses with the robotic flyer in the Kibo laboratory module in a new photo shared by NASA. Williams can be seen imitating the robot's curved arms, which are designed to wrap around objects to aid in satellite maintenance and space debris management.

The tentacle-like arms were fitted to one of the Astrobee robots on the space station as part of an innovative technology demonstration called Responsive Engaging Arms for Captive Care and Handling (REACCH).

The flexible arms that extend from the robot's body are equipped with gecko-like adhesive pads that are designed to mimic the reptile's ability to cling to surfaces, which could, in turn, help future spacecraft capture space objects (such as satellites or debris) regardless of their size, shape or surface material, according to the NASA experiment page.

The REECH technology was used with an Astrobee to test how the tentacle-like arms would perform in the environment of the space station. The technology demonstration also aims to study the physics of interactions among multiple free-floating objects and REECH's ability to safely and repeatedly capture and relocate objects in orbit. If successful, REECH could be used to service satellites in space as well as assist with orbital maneuvers and debris removal to maximize the lifespan of spacecraft in low Earth orbit.

"Development of this robotic technology may increase the lifespan of satellites and enable the removal of space debris," NASA officials said in the statement releasing the new photo.