Rocket Lab Robotics to Demonstrate Autonomous Space Arm on NASA's FFR Mission

Rocket Lab Robotics, formerly Motiv Space Systems, is developing a robotic arm for NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Fly Foundational Robots (FFR) mission, scheduled to launch in late 2027.

Developed with funding through NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, the robotic arm is designed for dexterous manipulation, autonomous tool use and movement across spacecraft structures.

The mission will provide an in-orbit demonstration of capabilities intended to support future in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM).

One of the mission’s primary demonstrations will involve installing an Orbital Replacement Unit, a modular component intended to extend or enhance the functionality of a spacecraft system. The arm will retrieve and reposition the component while in orbit, testing its ability to perform maintenance and upgrades without returning hardware to Earth.

NASA will participate as the mission’s inaugural Guest Roboticist, using specialized software to control the arm and conduct additional demonstrations. The agency has also launched the Space Roboticist Challenge, inviting partners from industry, academia and government to register for opportunities to operate the robotic arm during the mission.

The FFR spacecraft will include four separable interfaces from industry partners, creating a task platform for robotic demonstrations. It will also feature docking mechanisms to support rendezvous with future spacecraft carrying additional payloads, potentially enabling more complex orbital servicing and infrastructure assembly missions.

Image Credits: NASA