ExplorationSystems
Delivering Innovation
Blue Origin is developing space mining robots and systems with Honeybee Robotics that dig, collect, process, and transfer samples for in-situ analysis and sample return missions. We also develop mining systems to extract valuable resources, such as water, for in-situ resource utilization missions.
Our Capabilities
Robotics
Blue Origin develops Honeybee Robotics end-to-end solutions, such as robotic arms, manipulators, deployment booms, and associated avionics and software.
Examples of products include: a 4 Degree of Freedom (DOF) Robotic Arm for drilling, scooping, and landing pad construction on the Moon; and a 3 DOF Robotic Arm for iron ore blasthole sampling.
Mobility
We build planetary rovers and mobility solutions, including hardware, avionics, software, navigation, and path planning. Blue Origin leads payload integration and assists with payload deployment and instruments operation.
A Honeybee Robotics 100 kg class rover is scheduled to fly to Gruithuisen Domes in 2028 aboard Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander.
Instruments
From gas sensors to spectrometers, Honeybee Robotics instruments analyze atmosphere, fluids, and solid samples on - and off - Earth.
Example of projects include: LIBSLog (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectrometer logging tool) for terrestrial mining, and the LISTER Heat Flow Probe, which was recently deployed on the Moon to 1 m depth.
Structures
Blue Origin's Exploration Systems can create deployment systems and structures for any application, large or small.
We developed a Lunar Vertical Solar Array system for NASA, which was deployed at NASA JSC Chamber A.
Mining and Sampling
Blue Origin is a world leader in drilling and sampling technologies. Honeybee Robotics hardware has cut rocks and ice on Mars, and drilled holes on the Moon.
Our technologies have been used in the PlanetVac sampling system, TRIDENT drill, and astronaut deployable drills.
Avionics and Software
All Honeybee Robotics avionics and software are developed in-house. Our systems are designed, fabricated, tested and qualified for extreme environments, ranging from the Moon to Titan. We have been operating our hardware on Mars since 2004.
Example of projects include avionics and software for the Dragonfly mission, and TRIDENT drill.