Dextre / SPDM

Launch data: Designation  32699 / 08009x Launch date - time  11 Mar 2008 - 06:28 UT Launch site  KSC, LC39A Launch vehicle  Space Shuttle Endeavour #21 Mass (kg)  8387 kg Mission  Canadian ISS Component

Spacecraft data: Prime contractor   Operator   Mass at launch  1560 kg Payload Mass   kg Basic shape  robot arm Dimension (m)   Solar array  none Stabilization   DC power

Description:

• Dextre, the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, is a 1,560-kg agile robot that services outside the International Space Station. It can pivot at the waist, and its shoulders support two identical arms with seven joints that allow great degree of movement. The robot is equipped with lights, video equipment, a stowage platform and four robotic tools. At the end of each arm is an Orbital Replacement Unit/tool changeout Mechanism that can hold a payload or tool with a vice-like grip. Dextre can accomplish tasks that require high precision (it has a 2 milimetres positioning accuracy) and a gentle touch (2.2 newtons) such as removing and replacing station components, opening and closing covers and deploying or retracting mechanisms. For several reasons, it is designed to move only one arm at a time: to maintain stability, to harmonize activities with Canadarm on the Shuttle and Canadarm-2 on the Space Station, and to minimize the possibility of self-collision.
• Dextre is the third and final component of the Mobile Servicing System developed by Canada as its contribution to the ISS program. The first element is Canadarm2 installed in 2001 and the second is the Mobile Base System added in 2002. Dextre can either be attached to the end of Canadarm2 or ride independently on the Mobile Base System.

Mission details:

• Dextre was stowed on the U.S. Lab grapple fixture on 19 March 2008.
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Dextre arm during exp.42

  
  
  

  Dextre arm during exp.50

  
  
  Credit: NASA