Astrobee Space

Astrobee Space, founded in 2017 and based at Moffett Field, California, develops free-flying robotic systems for use in space environments. The company’s primary product is the Astrobee system – a suite of three cubic robots designed to assist astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). These robots utilize electric fans for propulsion and are equipped with cameras, sensors, and a perching arm, enabling them to perform tasks such as inventory management, experiment documentation, and cargo movement.

Astrobee builds upon NASA’s prior experience with the SPHERES robots and serves as a modular, upgradeable platform for conducting microgravity research and testing new robotic capabilities. The system is designed for both autonomous operation and remote control by astronauts, flight controllers, or researchers on Earth. Astrobee’s robots – named Bumble, Honey, and Queen – have been progressively launched to the ISS via Northrop Grumman and SpaceX commercial resupply missions since 2018.

Currently, Astrobee is supported by a Space Act Agreement with Arkisys, Inc. for ongoing maintenance and sustainment aboard the ISS. The project is funded by NASA’s Space Technology and Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorates, highlighting its importance in advancing robotic technologies for future space exploration, including potential roles in lunar and deep space missions as spacecraft caretakers.