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Chinese team expects to launch first robot in space by 2020 to fix orbiting satellites

While initial tasks could help lengthen lifespan of satellites, potential military applications may unnerve foreign powers as space race heats up

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A visitor gestures to an android at the World Robot Conference in Beijing, where China showcased a version of its space robot. Photo: Reuters
Stephen Chenin Beijing

China will launch its first robot in space by 2020 to carry out a range of tasks from refuelling satellites to building space stations and even conducting military operations, according to researchers involved in the project.

When finished, it will be the most expensive robot China has ever built. Although the team responsible declined to provide figures, the first launch alone is expected to cost hundreds of millions of yuan (100 million yuan = US$15.66 million).

A preliminary version was shown to the public for the first time this week at the ongoing World Robot Exhibition in Beijing. It is about the size of a typical office cubicle.

Ground-based testing for the project has now been completed and a maiden launch date for the robot set for within the next few years, the researchers said on request of anonymity.

They work for the cryptically named 502 Institute at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

READ MORE: China building one of the world’s fastest astronomical computers to power giant, alien-seeking telescope

Satellites need fuel even to stay in orbit. Without this, they either plunge back down to earth or become space debris.

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