Chinese space station reaches for next stage of construction with robotic arm test

In 47-minute exercise, 10-metre robotic device grabs onto and moves cargo ship

The US has voiced its concern about potential for interference with satellites, particularly in the event of a war

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Tiangong’s 10-metre arm is capable of lifting objects up to 20 tonnes. Photo: Weibo

Published: 8:44pm, 6 Jan 2022Updated: 9:05pm, 6 Jan 2022

The Chinese space station has successfully grabbed and moved a cargo spaceship with its giant robotic arm.

The 47-minute manoeuvre on Thursday morning was the first test for Tiangong’s 10-metre (33-foot) robotic arm, whose technology the United States fears could be used to interfere with its satellites.

The exercise assessed technology used to assemble sections of the station in space, the official website of the China Manned Space Programme said.

The robotic arm on China’s Tiangong space station grips the Tianzhou 2 spaceship, which was docked to the Tianhe core module. Photo: Weibo

It said the test initially measured the feasibility and effectiveness of using the robotic arm to move a section of space station, verify aspects of the technology and inform future space station orbit assembly and construction.

During the test, the robotic arm first held on to the Tianzhou 2 spaceship, which was docked to the Tianhe core module at the centre of the station. Then the Tianzhou 2 was released from its dock and transported by the arm in a circle before being reconnected and docked to the Tianhe, according to the website.

Tiangong’s robotic arm is capable of lifting objects up to 20 tonnes and can move around on the outside of the station, according to China Manned Space Programme. After the core module was launched to orbit in April, Chinese astronauts embarked on spacewalks to carry out upgrades to the arm to ensure it was operational.

The Tianzhou 2, which was launched in May, carried supplies to the station and docked at the core module. It conducted an automatic release and re-dock in September.

The Commander of US Space Command says the robotic arm on China’s space station poses a threat. Photo: Weibo

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