Experiences and Prospects of Development of Space Robotics Systems

A systematic and steady exploration of the outer space by the mankind brings up the requirements for a development of new kinds of modern machines. Robotics occupies a leading position among them. Remotely-controlled or completely automated robotic means are occupying more and more ponderable position in an exploration of the nearest space and planets. An analysis of the experience of cosmonauts' outer space activities during the operation period of the orbital stations "Salut-6", "Salut-7" and, especially, "Mir" showed that all main systems as inside pressure modules as outside them were subjected to technical maintenance and repair works. Moreover, the volume of repair and restoration works was increasing as far as equipment and systems were worn out. it achieved 50% of the total volume of cosmonauts' works. The long duration of operations is caused also by the extremely low productivity of cosmonauts working in space suits without bearing surface. One can suppose that similar time outlay dynamics will take place at the newly developed international space station "Alpha" also. Moreover, a part of operations fulfilled by the cosmonauts outside pressure modules will be increased to a great extent because of the increasing of amount and complexity of the on-board equipment installed on the external surface of the station and because of the experimental operations amount increasing.