ASTRA 2023

Objectives

ASTRA is a forum where the current state-of-the-art developments of the European Space Automation and Robotics (A&R) community are presented and discussed.

Uniquely, a characteristic of ASTRA is that it provides a platform for European agencies, industry, and academia operating in the field of Space Robotics to interact and meet, giving visibility to the whole spectrum of research and development activities in the field.

Participants will have the opportunity to get an up-to-date picture of:

currently envisaged space missions and application scenarios where A&R could play a major role,
the A&R technology needs which can be derived from these application scenarios,
the current status of European as well as international research and development programmes in the field of space A&R, and
new technology trends for space A&R.

While planetary robotics has a consolidated line-up of missions progressing towards launch in institutional activities (ExoMars, Argonaut, European Lunar Rover System), also orbital robotics has a multitude of activities with developments at both EC (PERASPERA in-orbit demo) and ESA (CLEARSPACE-1, SOLARIS).

However, it is in the private/commercial sector where space robotics applications are materialising in ever increasing numbers.

ASTRA will primarily provide an overview of technologies/missions which are available or under development in the ESA member states or under international collaborations, but warmly encourages other international contributions whenever possible.