{
  "id": 16131667,
  "title": "Autonomous triangular modules could build tomorrow's mega-observatories",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/autonomous-triangular-modules-could-build-tomorrows-mega-observatories",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-23T00:40:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-10-autonomous-triangular-modules-tomorrow-mega.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Private companies are increasingly launching larger rockets, but the size of objects that can be deployed in orbit is limited by fairing size. This restricts the shapes of objects like communication arrays or power satellites. Researchers from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Beijing Institute of Technology have proposed a solution: self-shaping, deployable modules that can adjust their positioning and dimensions in orbit. These modules, composed of three hexagonal corner pods connected by carbon-fiber rods, use a combination of stepper motors, cold gas thrusters, and magnetic latches to adjust their size, position, and orientation. The thrusters and magnets enable precise alignment, while the stepper motors allow for real-time adjustments. In theory, these modules could form the basis of autonomous swarms for constructing large structures in space. To test their concept, the researchers used a precision air hockey table with gliding air bearings, simulating the modules' movement. The control algorithm, informed by real-time data from cameras, allowed the modules to correct positioning errors by over 98%, enabling successful docking. This represents a significant step toward autonomous assembly of large structures in orbit, potentially paving the way for future mega-observatories and other space infrastructure.",
  "summary": "Private companies are getting better at launching more mass into space with larger rockets. But there is still a major constraint on the size of objects we can get into orbit—fairing size. This places physical constraints on the overall shape of what we can launch and severely limits the sizes of, say, a communications array or a power satellite. But a new paper from researchers at Nanjing…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}