Precision repairs: Achieving accuracy during repair missions at the international space station

Abstract

This paper proposes an autonomous approach for repairing leakage at the International Space Station (ISS) using the NASA Astrobee robot with the 3rd Kibo Robot Programming Challenge (KRPC) guidelines provided by JAXA. We bring into play image processing and analysis from the Astrobee Nav Cam data, circle detection algorithms, AR tag detection techniques, autonomous navigation, and a Visual Projective Localization And Mapping (VPLAM) approach for irradiating lasers with excellent precision at the Astrobee Robot Simulator. In addition, we discuss the various capabilities of the Astrobee Robots onboard the ISS and how they can facilitate the delivery of such an autonomous mission in emergencies. Lastly, we walk through ways to deal with randomness and uncertainty while operating, ensuring robustness and accuracy. Ultimately, we scored a precision of up to 0.03 cm on the KRPC online simulator.