Driftspace
A robotic assembly system designed by researchers at Caltech has completed the f
A robotic assembly system designed by researchers at Caltech has completed the first fully autonomous construction of a structure in orbit, without any assistance from astronauts. The system, known as ASTRA, launched to low-Earth orbit in March 2026 and spent roughly six months operating independently. Using a mechanical arm, it assembled sections of a truss from individual struts and connectors, ultimately producing a reflector antenna approximately 1.4 metres in diameter. The demonstration was funded through a US defence research programme focused on developing in-space manufacturing capability. Researchers involved say the technology points toward a future in which large structures — such as solar power collectors or communications platforms — could be built directly in orbit, overcoming the size constraints imposed by rocket payload bays. Similar concepts are being explored in other countries' space programmes, suggesting interest in the approach is broadening internationally. If large structures could one day be assembled efficiently in space, what do you think would be most worth building?