DARPA Robot Builds a Structure in Space for the First Time, Opening the Door to Giant Orbiting Spacecraft

· Thedebrief · Nov. 10, 2026, 1:13 p.m.
Summary
A robot developed by Caltech and funded by DARPA has successfully built part of an antenna structure in space, demonstrating the potential for direct construction of large spacecraft in orbit. This milestone could revolutionize how spacecraft and large structures are assembled, as future missions might carry compact components instead of fully assembled spacecraft. Despite successful assembly of part of the structure, challenges emerged during the mission, highlighting the need for improvements in reliability and troubleshooting in the space environment.