Novel techniques to solve space-exploration problems [From the Guest Editors]

Welcome to a special issue of IEEE Robotics and Automation Magazine dedicated to space robotics. This corner of the robotics world has a broad spectrum of activities, as reflected by the diversity of the papers presented herein. Topics range from in situ exploration with landers and rovers to low-gravity surface rendezvous for science and sampling operations, to orbital maneuvering for construction, inspection, or repair. In addition to discussing the achievements of deployed spaceflight robotic systems, some hint of the future is provided by active research into novel techniques to solve space-exploration problems.