Skip to content
Research

Astrobee

Built by NA · United States

Updated Jul 2026·methodology
Ask Scout

The Astrobee is a Research robot developed by NA (United States), launched 2019.

RoboScore

39.0/ 100

Speculative — thin evidence

No confirmed deployment on record — this score reflects the rest of the record, not verified adoption.

4 of 9 signals present

Recomputed nightly from public data. Missing data is skipped, never zero-filled — and rankings are never for sale.

Weighted factors

average of the 4 scored · blanks don't count

Commercial maturity20%25/100
Deployment footprint18%unknown
Proven track record12%unknown
Spec completeness12%80/100
Company financial health12%unknown
Company maturity8%100/100
Manufacturer portfolio6%77/100
Media mentions (trailing 12 months)6%unknown
Independent recognition4%unknown

Not in the Research standing. The standings cover robots first sold from 2020 onward, and this one launched in 2019. Its Robo Score above is unaffected — the score is the evidence, the standing is only who it is listed against.

See the Research standing

Will it fit your job?

Tell us the job in plain words — we'll show how this robot measures up, line by line.

No needs set yet

Tell us what your job needs — payload, budget, region, must-have certifications — and we'll show how Astrobee measures up, requirement by requirement. The RoboScore (trust) above is shown for every buyer, regardless.

Overview

Astrobee is a free flying robot designed to work on the International Space Station. It can navigate around the ISS autonomously and perform useful tasks for astronauts. Equipped with an electrically-powered propulsion system using two counter-rotating impellers that generate thrust through 12 steerable nozzles, Astrobee can move or rotate in any direction in microgravity. The robot features a perching arm for gripping handrails, modular bays for guest scientist payloads, and multiple sensors including NavCam, DockCam, PerchCam, HazCam, SciCam, and SpeedCam.

Flagship features

  • Designed to reduce routine tasks for astronauts on the ISS
  • Comprises three modular robots: Bumble, Honey, and Queen
  • Equipped with a perching arm for energy conservation and transport
  • Built on the lessons learned from the SPHERES robots
  • Notable milestone: first independent operation of multiple robots on April 7, 2022
  • Partnered with Arkisys, Inc. for platform maintenance and support

Buyer decision signals

Viability

est. 1958

Two Astrobees operated independently on ISS

Price

Research platform

Published figures are build cost or program budget, not a purchase price

Availability

available

Specifications

Category: Research
Weight
6 kg
Autonomy
fully autonomous
Launch year
2019
Price
Research platform

Published figures are build cost or program budget, not a purchase price

Status
active
VerifiedSelf-reportedEstimated

Company profile

Founded
1958

Detailed specifications

What it is built for3
Applications
research
Industries Served
space exploration
Deployment Environment
indoor
Size & capacity1
Height Mm
318
Movement & precision1
Navigation Type
vision
Controls & integration2
Sensor Suite
cameras,sensors
Programming Interface
no code gui,teleoperation
Buying & support3
Datasheet Url
Preview PDF online
Model Variants
Bumble,Honey,Queen
Availability Status
available

Company milestones

  • Apr 2022DeploymentTwo Astrobees operated independently on ISS
  • Apr 2022DeploymentTwo Astrobees worked independently in separate ISS modules
  • Apr 2022DeploymentQueen and Bumble work independently in ISS modules
  • Apr 2022DeploymentAstrobee robots achieved an in-space first
  • Nov 2019DeploymentHoney deployed on the ISS
  • Jul 2019DeploymentQueen launched to the ISS
  • Jul 2019DeploymentThird Astrobee robot launched
  • Jun 2019DeploymentBumble first free flight in space

Frequently asked questions

Who makes the Astrobee?
The Astrobee is developed by NA, based in United States.
What type of robot is the Astrobee?
The Astrobee is a Research robot made by NA.
How much does the Astrobee cost?
Pricing for the Astrobee is not publicly listed — contact NA for a quote.
When was the Astrobee launched?
The Astrobee was launched in 2019.

Reviews for Astrobee

Loading reviews…

Buyers also compared this with

Related reading

Industry Knowledge →