NASA to Send Robot Astronaut Into Space

Robonaut2 will fly to the International Space Station aboard Discovery on the space shuttle's final planned mission, STS-133. (NASA/JSC Robert Markowitz)

NASA and General Motors have come together to develop the next generation dexterous humanoid robot. The robots – called Robonaut2 – were designed to use the same tools as humans, which allows them to work safely side-by-side humans on Earth and in space. (NASA/JSC)

Robonaut2 – or R2 for short – is the next generation dexterous robot, developed through a Space Act Agreement by NASA and General Motors. Its human-like shape was a product of the fact that it was built to work side-by-side with people, assisting with work that it is difficult or dangerous on Earth and in space. (NASA/JSC)

The Robonaut2 crew pack up. This is a front side view of SLEEPR, the shipping container that will protect the robot during launch. (NASA)

Robonaut2 gets a new flight suit. (NASA)

Robonaut2 is up and running. (NASA)

Robonaut2 unit A looks on as Robonaut2 unit B is resting comfortably in SLEEPR in Space Shuttle Discovery on the launch pad, preparing to launch. (NASA)

With the help of its team, Robonaut2 sent its first tweet this past summer. Check out his twitter page @<a href="www.twitter.com/AstroRobonaut">AstroRobonaut</a> (NASA)

Everyone that worked on the ISS Robonaut project. (Robert Markowitz and Bill Stafford)

Robonaut2 performs a Cub Scout Salute. This photo was displayed at the Boy Scout Jamboree in 2010. (NASA / Joe Bibby)

Chris Ihrke, senior project engineer for General Motors, works with the new dexterous humanoid robot developed by NASA and General Motors at Johnson Space Center. (NASA/JSC)

Chris Ihrke, senior project engineer for General Motors, works with the new dexterous humanoid robot developed by NASA and General Motors at Johnson Space Center. (NASA/JSC)

Chris Ihrke, senior project engineer for General Motors, works with the new dexterous humanoid robot developed by NASA and General Motors at Johnson Space Center. (NASA/JSC)

Robonaut2 surpasses previous dexterous humanoid robots in strength, yet it is safe enough to work side-by-side with humans. It is able to lift, not just hold, this 20-pound weight (about four times heavier than what other dexterous robots can handle) both near and away from its body. (NASA/JSC)

Robonaut2 surpasses previous dexterous humanoid robots in strength, yet it is safe enough to work side-by-side with humans. It is able to lift, not just hold, this 20-pound weight (about four times heavier than what other dexterous robots can handle) both near and away from its body. (NASA/JSC)

Robonaut2 – or R2 for short – is the next generation dexterous robot, developed through a Space Act Agreement by NASA and General Motors. (NASA)

The earlier-generation Robonaut B's upper body can attach to a Segway-built robotic mobility platform (RMP) in order to drive on Earth. (NASA/JSC)

Robonaut B's upper body can attach to a Segway-built robotic mobility platform (RMP) in order to drive on Earth. (NASA/JSC)

A fusion between Robonaut and a four or six-wheeled rover could one day explore and work the surface of Mars or the moon. (NASA)

Robonaut B uses a "space leg" to secure itself to a mockup of the International Space Station. The leg apparatus allows Robonaut the freedom to use station handrails to reach a work site, then anchor itself during a spacewalk. (NASA/JSC)