Robotic systems are set to transform how work is done in orbit, according to Ethan Barajas, CEO and co-founder of Icarus Robotics. In an interview at the 2026 Small Satellite Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, Barajas outlined a future where robots take on the most hazardous and repetitive tasks in space, from satellite servicing to construction, while astronauts shift toward oversight and complex decision-making.
Barajas emphasized that the current model of on-orbit labor, which relies heavily on astronaut extravehicular activities, is both risky and expensive. Spacewalks are among the most dangerous operations in human spaceflight, requiring extensive training, life-support systems, and careful coordination. Robots, he argued, can perform many of these tasks more safely and at a fraction of the cost, allowing for more frequent and ambitious missions.
The conversation comes at a time when the satellite industry is growing rapidly, with constellations of small satellites being deployed in low Earth orbit. Many of these satellites are designed for short lifespans and are simply deorbited at the end of their operational life. Robotic servicing could extend their usefulness, refueling them, repairing components, or even upgrading instruments, thereby reducing space debris and lowering the cost of maintaining large constellations.
Icarus Robotics is developing technologies aimed at making this vision a reality. While Barajas did not disclose specific technical details during the interview, he described a roadmap that includes autonomous rendezvous and docking, robotic manipulation, and artificial intelligence-driven decision-making. These capabilities would allow robots to approach satellites, inspect them, and perform repairs without direct human control, though operators on the ground would remain in the loop for critical decisions.
The implications extend beyond satellite maintenance. Barajas pointed to the potential for robotic systems to assist in the assembly of large structures in space, such as telescopes, solar power stations, or habitats for long-duration missions. By using robots to construct these facilities, engineers could avoid the limitations of launching fully assembled hardware, instead sending components that robots would piece together in orbit. This approach could enable larger and more capable systems than current launch vehicles can accommodate.
The shift toward robotic labor also raises questions about the role of astronauts in future missions. Barajas suggested that rather than replacing humans, robots would free them to focus on tasks that require creativity, judgment, and adaptability. Astronauts would become supervisors and problem-solvers, intervening only when robots encounter situations beyond their programming. This division of labor could make human spaceflight more productive and safer, as crews would spend less time on routine maintenance and more on scientific research and exploration.
The commercial angle is significant as well. With the rise of commercial space stations and private satellite operators, there is growing demand for cost-effective on-orbit services. Robotic systems could open new business models, such as satellite life-extension services or in-orbit manufacturing, which have been discussed for years but have yet to become mainstream. Barajas expressed confidence that the technology is maturing to the point where these services will soon be practical.
Regulatory and safety considerations remain, however. As robots take on more responsibilities in orbit, operators will need to ensure they can operate reliably and avoid collisions with other spacecraft. Standards for autonomous operations and communication with ground control will be essential, as will international cooperation to avoid conflicts in increasingly crowded orbital environments.
The interview at the Small Satellite Conference highlights a broader trend in the space industry: the gradual shift from human-centric operations to a more balanced approach that leverages robotics and automation. While astronauts will continue to play a vital role in exploration, the routine labor of maintaining and building infrastructure in space is likely to become increasingly robotic. For companies like Icarus Robotics, that future is not just a possibility but a business plan.
