© RTL
Luxembourg-based company Redwire is making strides in space technology by developing robotic arms capable of capturing and repairing satellites in orbit, thereby extending their operational life and reducing space debris.
For the past five years, Luxembourg company Redwire, which is based in Cloche d'Or, has been developing and testing robot arms that could soon be sent into space via satellites. Once launched into orbit, they will travel 36,000 kilometres before becoming operational.
The arm's primary function, when attached to a satellite, is to catch other satellites. This can be done for repair purposes or to return them to their orbit, and in doing so extending their lifespan. The arms can also help relocate satellites to a different orbit in case of malfunction, or assist in decommissioning satellites that have completed their mission, preventing them from becoming space debris.
The company has been gathering experience in the field of robotics for the past five years, in order to make sure that all requirements are met. The arms are tested on earth, but eventually have to function in space in the absence of gravity.
© RTL
The arms are manufactured entirely in Luxembourg. In their laboratory, Redwire conduct tests and assemble the individual components. Another room, kept completely sterile, then simulates the conditions of space. Here, they replicate factors such as extreme temperatures and vacuum exposure that the materials will face. In recognition of their outstanding collaboration between Luxembourg and the USA, the company was awarded the 'Luxembourg American Business Award' in April.
Last month, they achieved another milestone by printing a meniscus on the ISS using their 3D printer 'BioFabrication Facility', which has been operational on the ISS (International Space Station) since last November. This accomplishment is a significant success for the company, as they were able to produce a soft material in space, a feat that was not achievable on Earth.
