November 5th, 2026
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Sustainable
Space Robotics
Activities through Robotic Pre-deployment and Autonomous Operations
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Workshop @ iSpaRo 2026
About
About
Conventional space missions have historically followed a short-term, "reach and complete" philosophy. However, the next era of space exploration requires a fundamental shift toward long-term sustainability.
This workshop addresses a critical paradigm shift: the transition of space robotics from supporting tools to primary actors. To support a future human presence on the Moon, Mars, and beyond, robotic systems must be capable of pioneering, constructing, and autonomously maintaining vital infrastructure prior to crew arrival. The program combines conceptual framing, invited talks from leading agencies (JAXA, NASA, DLR), academia, and industry, along with a hands-on session, to promote collaboration and resource sharing.
The workshop will be held at the International Conference on Space Robotics (iSpaRo) in Cologne, Germany.
Scope and topics
Scope and topics
The workshop aims to build a cross-disciplinary understanding of how robotics must evolve to support sustainable space activities. Expanding beyond initial pre-deployment phases, the program explores the full lifecycle of space infrastructure—from robotic pioneering and autonomous construction to full deployment and long-term operational sustainability.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
Autonomous Operations, Perception & Planning
Perception and locomotion for surface exploration under severe communication constraints and harsh terrain dynamics.
Scalable Autonomy and Teleoperation in space conditions.
Generative AI and autonomous mission planning for deep-space operations.
Simulation, digital twins, and validation platforms for in-space autonomy.
Dexterous Manipulation, Assembly & ISAM
In-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) paradigms.
Dexterity, fine manipulation, and automated assembly in microgravity and planetary environments.
Soft robotics and compliant mechanisms for delicate operations.
Advanced materials and manufacturing technologies for infrastructure deployment.
System Architecture & Flight Heritage
Modularity and scalability in space robotic systems.
Design for sustainatibility in space.
Lessons learned from on-orbit demonstrations (e.g., NASA Robonaut2 and dexterous manipulation studies, NASA iMETRO, JAXA Int-Ball2, RACS2, ICHIBAN, DLR Surface Avatar and other missions/research projects).
Submission
Submission
Call for papers & posters, including Lightning Talk opportunities at the workshop are now open.
Special Issue
Manuscript Summary Submission Deadline 26 February 2026
Manuscript Submission Deadline 16 June 2026
This Research Topic accepts the Brief Research Report, Data Report, Editorial, and Original Research.
Important Dates
Important Dates
Workshop
Abstract Submission Deadline: October 13th, 2026
Notification of Acceptance: October 20th, 2026
Camera-ready Paper / Poster Materials: October 30th, 2026
Workshop day: November 5th, 2026
Organizers
Organizers
Hiroki Kato
Hiroki Kato
Research and Development Directorate
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Seiko P. Yamaguchi
Seiko P. Yamaguchi
Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Shaun Azimi
Shaun Azimi
Software, Robotics, and Simulation Division
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Neal Y. Lii
Neal Y. Lii
Robotics and Mechatronics Center
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Registration
Registration
Questions?
Questions?
Contact the organising team at LinkedIn or spacerobotics-sustainable@googlegroups.com
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