Int-Ball2 ROS/Gazebo Simulator Released

Int-Ball2 ROS/Gazebo simulation environment is now public for open-source software usage.

Int-Ball2, the free-flying camera robot deployed in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) "Kibo" on the International Space Station (ISS), features a ROS based user programming environment. ROS/Gazebo simulator for user programming is now publicly released.

Int-Ball2 assists astronauts with imagery tasks aboard the ISS "Kibo" with free-flying capability in micro-gravity. Int-Ball2 assists astronauts by taking over routine photography and videography tasks. This allows astronauts to focus on more complex and mission-critical activities, thereby increasing overall efficiency.
In addition, Int-Ball2 can also serve as a technological demonstration platform where external users can integrate and execute their own programs on the ISS. The open-source simulator replicates the behavior of the Int-Ball2 user programming platform. This allows users to create, implement, and verify their own programs within the simulated environment. The Int-Ball2 software is built on the widely-used Robot Operating System (ROS) middleware, and the simulation environment is developed using Gazebo, also an open-source platform.

We believe the release of this simulator will accelerate research in space robotics, promote STEM education, and inspire new ideas for innovations. By making it open-source, we invite the public to interact with Int-Ball2, contribute their ideas, and work together to enhance its functionalities.