Fly Foundational Robots to test a commercial robotic arm in low Earth orbit

Set to launch in late 2027, Fly Foundational Robots (FFR) will deploy and operate a commercial robotic arm in low Earth orbit, turning the spacecraft into an in-space platform and destination for robotic demonstrations. Developed by small business Motiv Space Systems, the arm can perform dexterous manipulation, autonomous tool use, and walk across spacecraft structures in zero or partial gravity; these capabilities will be demonstrated and validated to establish foundational behaviors for future in-space robotic and servicing operations.

The FFR payload deck will feature Motiv’s robotic arm and will demonstrate a key capability: repairing or upgrading a space system by installing a modular component known as an Orbital Replacement Unit. During the mission the arm will pick up and reposition the unit in flight, marking the platform’s first in-orbit operations.

foundational robots, ffr, robotic arm, low earth, motiv space, orbital replacement, dexterous manipulation, autonomous tool, in-space platform, in-orbit operations