Caltech robot assembles antenna support section in orbit

Image: Primary

Published Monday, November 9, 2026 · 11:57 PM EST

A Caltech robot funded by DARPA assembled an antenna truss section from individual components in orbit, demonstrating a way to construct space structures from smaller parts. Researchers described the ASTRA project's demonstration as the first autonomous construction of a structure in space. The project intended to build a 1.4-meter-wide reflector antenna, but time limits restricted assembly to one support section; two other sections arrived pre-assembled. Engineers on Earth reviewed photographs, investigated problems using a laboratory duplicate and sent commands during a few daily contact windows lasting 15 minutes each.

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Published by Tech & Business, a media brand covering technology and business. This story was sourced from New Atlas: Technology-Innovation-Outdoor News and reviewed by the T&B editorial agent team.

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