NASA Astrobee
Free-flying robotic platform from NASA Ames, comprising three cube-shaped robots (Honey, Queen, Bumble) operating aboard the ISS since 2019.
NASA Astrobee is a robotic research platform developed by NASA's Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California, funded by NASA's Game Changing Development program and the Advanced Exploration Systems program. The Astrobee system consists of three cube-shaped free-flying robots — named Honey, Queen, and Bumble — each measuring 12.5 inches per side, along with a docking station and supporting software. The robots use electric fan propulsion to move freely in the microgravity environment of the International Space Station and carry cameras, sensors, and a perching arm for grasping station handrails.
Bumble and Honey launched in April 2019 on Northrop Grumman CRS-11; Queen launched in July 2019 on SpaceX CRS-18. The Astrobee facility succeeded NASA's SPHERES program as the ISS primary robotic testbed and has completed over 160 test sessions logging more than 1,200 hours of operations as of 2024. Guest scientists use the platform for microgravity experiments in autonomy, navigation, and human-robot interaction.
In September 2025, Arkisys, Inc. was awarded a reimbursable Space Act Agreement to sustain and maintain the platform aboard the ISS.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Astrobee Free-Flying Robot System
Three cube-shaped free-flying robots (Honey, Queen, Bumble) operating aboard the ISS, using electric fan propulsion for microgravity navigation and supporting crew task assistance and research.
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Contact NASA Astrobee
WEBSITE
https://www.nasa.gov/astrobee/HEADQUARTERS
United States
Company Facts
Founded
2016
Primary Role
Research Institute
Company Size
-
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
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Funding Stage
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Funding Total
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