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Icarus Robotics CEO Discusses On‑Orbit Labor at Small Satellite Conference
WHY IT MATTERS
The interview highlights the growing role of robotics in space operations, offering insights into how companies like Icarus Robotics are shaping future on‑orbit labor and reducing reliance on astronauts.
What happened
At the 2026 Small Satellite Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, SpaceNews interviewee Mike Gruss sat down with Ethan Barajas, CEO and co‑founder of Icarus Robotics. The conversation focused on the evolving role of robotics in space operations and the future of on‑orbit labor.
Barajas outlined how Icarus Robotics is developing autonomous systems to perform tasks traditionally handled by astronauts, aiming to increase efficiency and reduce human risk in space missions.
The discussion underscored the industry’s shift toward robotic solutions as a key component of next‑generation space infrastructure.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Robotics and the future of on-orbit labor
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