Chinese Satellite Successfully Tests Flexible Robotic Arm for Spacecraft Maintenance

The Yuxing-3 06 satellite, launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center using the Kuaizhou-11 Y7 rocket, achieved its designated orbit on March 16, 2026. This mission represents a historic milestone as it is the first-ever test of a flexible robotic arm developed by Suzhou Sanyuan Aerospace Technology in collaboration with Tsinghua University Shenzhen International Graduate School and Shenzhen Mofang Satellite Technology, which provided the satellite platform.

During the mission, engineers conducted extensive testing of the robotic arm in various complex scenarios to assess its capabilities for servicing and refueling satellites. Notably, they evaluated programmed and remote simulation of refueling, docking using cameras, and force-based control. This rigorous testing allowed for an assessment of how effectively the robotic arm could perform intricate operations in the challenging environment of space.

In the first operational mode, the arm autonomously planned and executed its movements without any intervention from Earth. This included transitioning from a safe position to docking and back, confirming the accuracy of its autonomous planning capabilities. In the second mode, operators on Earth controlled the arm in real time, using a controller and video feed from the camera, which facilitated the practice of interaction between human operators and the system in space.

The third testing mode involved a visual control system, where the position of the manipulator was determined based on images from the camera, followed by generating movement commands. This setup allowed for the evaluation of a closed-loop control system between Earth and orbit. The fourth mode tested the arm's sensitivity to force, where the arm autonomously managed its movements based on sensor data, drawing circles, triangles, and straight lines. This demonstrated the precision of control and the ability to perform delicate operations, such as assembling structures or replacing components in space.

The design of the flexible robotic arm integrates flexibility, lightweight construction, and reliability. It is compatible with flexible fuel pipelines, which is expected to enhance the safety of future in-orbit refueling operations. The drive elements are housed within the satellite, simplifying protection against temperature and radiation while reducing development costs.

Additionally, the mission tested the interaction between the satellite and ground stations. Thanks to a global network, communication was maintained on a sun-synchronous orbit, achieving up to 20 minutes of telemetry and control in a single session with a delay of less than one second. The company reported that the satellite successfully completed all planned operations with the robotic arm, which is considered a significant achievement in the development of spacecraft servicing technologies.