# Episode 117: Robots in orbit - Jeremy Hadall

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2025-04-11
- Length: 34m
- Episode: 117
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-04-11-episode-117-robots-in-orbit-jeremy-hadall
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-117-robots-in-orbit-jeremy-hadall

## Summary

Jeremy Hadall, robotics development lead at the Satellite Applications Catapult, explains the ISAM facility's mission to enable in-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) to address space debris and sustainability. He details the use of modified off-the-shelf KUKA and Universal Robots, along with gravity offload systems and Nvidia Omniverse simulation, to test complex orbital interactions on Earth. Hadall argues that future space robots must prioritize modularity and high autonomy to handle communication latency and operate without constant human oversight, while also critiquing the industry's focus on humanoids over task-specific designs.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-04-11-episode-117-robots-in-orbit-jeremy-hadall#t=7) Introduction: Jeremy Hadall and the Satellite Applications Catapult
- [2:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-04-11-episode-117-robots-in-orbit-jeremy-hadall#t=127) The ISAM Facility: Testing In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing
- [6:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-04-11-episode-117-robots-in-orbit-jeremy-hadall#t=393) Simulating Orbital Environments with KUKA Robots and Gravity Offload Systems
- [13:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-04-11-episode-117-robots-in-orbit-jeremy-hadall#t=794) Using Off-the-Shelf Robots and Nvidia Omniverse for Cost-Effective Testing
- [17:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-04-11-episode-117-robots-in-orbit-jeremy-hadall#t=1043) The Challenge of Autonomy, Latency, and Power in Space Robotics
- [25:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-04-11-episode-117-robots-in-orbit-jeremy-hadall#t=1537) Space Debris Statistics and the Economic Drivers for Robotic Cleanup
- [29:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2025-04-11-episode-117-robots-in-orbit-jeremy-hadall#t=1741) Critiquing Humanoids: Designing Robots for Specific Tasks Rather Than Human Form

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Satellite Applications Catapult (company)
- KUKA (other)
- Universal Robots (other)
- Nvidia Omniverse (tool)
- ROS (tool)
- SpaceX (company)
- Starship (product)
- Canadarm2 (product)
- ISS (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Bonus Edition - 2023 RBR50 Review](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-04-21-bonus-edition-2023-rbr50-review) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Computing in the Cosmos: Sophia Space's Mission to Move Data Centers Into Orbit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2025-07-24-computing-in-the-cosmos-sophia-spaces-mission-to-move-data-centers-into-orbit) (Over the Air)
- [153: Space Nerf Gun](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-05-25-153-space-nerf-gun) (Embedded.fm)
- [Modularity in Robotics: A Vision for the Future](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2021-08-03-modularity-in-robotics-a-vision-for-the-future) (Over the Air)
- [BONUS: Exploring Manufacturing Partnerships Part 2, Live from IMTS 2022 (brought to you by KUKA)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-11-11-bonus-exploring-manufacturing-partnerships-part-2-live-from-imts-2022-brought-to) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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