Canadarm2, Canadarm and The Canada Hand

Canadarm2 is part of the Mobile Serving System on the International Space Station (ISS). Developed in Canada for the Canadian Space Agency, the robotic Canadarm2 was launched and added to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2001.

 

Canadarm2 was designed to be larger and more versatile than the original Canadarm. Consisting of seven motorized joints, Canadarm2 weighs 4,000 pounds, can handle loads weighing up to 256,000 pounds and extends to a maximum of 57.7 feet. The arm has a diameter of just over 13 inches.

Canadarm2 can move across much of the space station. Each end of Canadarm2 is equipped with a "hand" that can grab Power Data Grapple Fixtures. These fixtures include Latching End Effectors that provide power to Canadarm2 and also have video and data features.

To move, Canadarm2 flips itself end-over-end using Power Data Grapple Fixtures as anchors. In this manner, Canadarm2 can move across the length of the International Space Station via the Mobile Base System, a truck that runs along rails on the outside of the space station at a rate of about 1 inch per second.

In contrast, the original Canadarm is attached to the space station at a fixed point and is not as dexterous as Canadarm2. Canadarm and Canadarm2 can work in conjunction with each other to complete tasks when necessary.

 

During 2008, the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, known as "Dextre" or as the "Canada Hand," will be delivered to the International Space Station. Canadarm2 will be able to grasp Dextre.

Dextre is a two-armed robot that will be assigned intricate tasks astronauts perform when walking in space. Each arm, consisting of seven joints, has a "hand" at the end that can grasp objects. In addition, each arm has other appendages that can be used for various tasks. While dextre can move similarly to a person twisting at the waist and shoulders, only one of Dextre's arms can be used at a time.

Each of the Dextre's arms is roughly 11 feet in length. The "body" of Dextre is 12 feet long. The Canada Hand will also include:

Candarm2 is designed to be capable of remote operation via Robotic Work Station LCD screens. Ultimately, one workstation will be located in the U.S. Lab module, and two other work stations will be located in the Cupola of the International Space Station.

Astronauts must go through special training in order to operate Canadarm2. Canadarm2 and Dextre, after installation, will reduce the amount of work that astronauts must perform in space while increasing the International Space Station's overall safety.

 

 

CSA/ASC (2006). An Evolution in Design for Canada's Robotic Arms. Retrieved February 8, 2008, from the Space.gc.ca Web site.
 
NASA (2001). The Amazing Canadarm2. Retrieved February 8, 2008, from the Science.NASA.gov Web site.
 
NASA (n.d.). A Helping Hand for the Space Station. Retrieved February 8, 2008, from the NASA.gov Web site.
 
NASA (n.d.). Canadarm and the Mobile Servicing System. Retrieved February 8, 2008, from the NASA Web site.