日本航空航天勘探局（JAXA）已发布了其浮动3D印刷太空无人机INT球的第一件镜头。JEM内部球摄像头（INT球）目前正在ISS上通过地球上的控件在Jaxa Tsukuba空间中心浮动。
根据Jaxa的说法，“它的外部和内部结构均由3D打印制造。”
The circular drone uses existing drone technology and is enabled by a package known as the Miniaturized Attitude Control Sensors and Actuators in an All-in-one Module. The module was developed especially for space application, primarily satellites, and enables accurate control of the Int-Ball’s movement.
GIF显示在行动中的INT球。通过Jaxa的图像。
球形空间无人机具有十二个螺旋桨，可使其漂浮到想要的位置。INT球的中央摄像头使设备能够拍摄ISS的图像和视频。Jaxa认为，在太空任务期间，它具有供应检查并提供额外的眼睛的潜力。
该设备的直径为15厘米，并于6月4日到达日本实验模块（JEM） - Kibo。
自动浮标
Despite its adorable aesthetic, the Int-Ball has some very serious tasks as JAXA intends to reduce space crew’s work by 10%. According to the Japanese Space Agency, the floating camera is hoped to completely eliminate the space crew’s “photographing time。”Jaxa还希望INT球很快能够自动操作并自行移动。
Perhaps in the future, the ISS could extend the Int-Ball’s functionalities with use of theMade in Space 3D printer aboard the space station。3D printing has证明其对无人机制造的价值many times in the past, however the Int-Ball is not quite as terrifying assome of the U.S military’s application。
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Featured image shows the Int-Ball floating aboard the ISS. Photo via Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
