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Canadarm2 and the Mobile Servicing System Robot onway to service Hubble Telescope |
| on 06-03-2008 00:03 |
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Canada is contributing an essential component of the International
Space Station, the Mobile Servicing System. This robotic system plays a
key role in space station assembly and maintenance: moving equipment
and supplies around the station, supporting astronauts working in
space, and servicing instruments and other payloads attached to the
space station. Astronauts receive robotics training to enable them to
perform these functions with the arm.
Comparison of the shuttle robotic arm with the station robotic arm
The Mobile Servicing System, which is also known as the MSS, has three parts:
Canadarm2
Launched on STS-100 (assembly flight 6A) in April 2001, the
next generation Canadarm is a bigger, better, smarter version of the
space shuttle's robotic arm. It is 17.6 meters (57.7 feet) long when
fully extended and has seven motorized joints. This arm is capable of
handling large payloads and assisting with docking the space shuttle.
The Space Station Remote Manipulator System, or SSRMS, is
self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to
complementary ports spread throughout the station's exterior surfaces.
Ground Support
A manipulator
development simulation facility provides real-time simulation of the
Mobile Servicing System and other robotic systems. Support systems are
provided for software development. Subsystem Details
Mobile Base System
A work platform that moves along rails covering the length of the space
station, the Mobile Base System, or MBS, provides lateral mobility for
the Canadarm2 as it traverses the main trusses. It was added to the
station during STS-111 (assembly flight UF-2) in June 2002.
Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator
The Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, or Dextre, is a
smaller two-armed robot capable of handling the delicate assembly tasks
currently handled by astronauts during space walks. It is scheduled to
launch on assembly flight 1J/A.
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Last update: 06-03-2008 00:03
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