Space manipulators have a wide range of uses and powerful and flexible functions. As a large-scale space equipment for future space stations, space station manipulators are not only key equipment for the construction, maintenance and use of space stations, but will also improve the scale and level of space science applications, and will also improve the development of related technical fields such as control, electronics, space lubrication and autonomous planning in my country.
Among the space manipulators put into use, the "Canadarm 2" on the International Space Station is the first in size and complexity
1. Space manipulators can be used to observe and monitor stationary or moving targets in space, that is, through precise positioning or movement, the visual system installed on the manipulator can accurately capture and track the targets that need to be observed or monitored, and take photos or videos of them.
2. Space manipulators are supporting technologies for on-orbit maintenance and construction.
Through this technology, the positioning function of the manipulator is used, and the use of different forms of grippers is used to complete the picking, handling, positioning and release of different targets inside and outside the spacecraft cabin. Through the technology of combining autonomous operation on orbit with remote operation, complex test actions can be realized in the unmanned situation inside the space station or other orbiters; astronauts can carry out operations such as grabbing, handling, and maintenance inside and outside the cabin, or serve as a support for astronauts or large components to assist astronauts in completing on-orbit construction or maintenance projects.
3. Space manipulators are necessary supporting technologies for lunar and deep space exploration.
As long as lunar and deep space exploration lands on the target, there will be an important task-sampling. To complete this task, the manipulator often needs to observe, analyze, and select the sampling target at close range; then, clean, pick up, carry, and load it. In addition, sometimes it is necessary to grind and drill the observation or detection target, which cannot be completed without the manipulator.
The most direct use of the space manipulator is to capture the transport spacecraft for automated precision docking, which is much faster and more efficient than the previous manual docking or automatic docking. As of 2014, China basically adopted two methods: automatic docking and manual docking, but it was far behind Russia and the United States in rapid docking, which was precisely achieved by the space manipulator. Therefore, China's newly developed space robotic arm will have great potential.