 Dextre, many of the ISS's Robotic arms and experiments, can be operated from Earth, performing tasks while the crew sleeps. | |
| Operator | NASA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | MDA |
| Instrument type | telemanipulator |
| Website | www |
| Properties | |
| Mass | 1,662 kg (3,664 lb) |
| Dimensions | 3.5 m (11 ft) |
| Number launched | 1 |
| Host spacecraft | |
| Spacecraft | International Space Station |
| Operator | |
| Launch date | March 11, 2008 |
| Rocket | Space Shuttle |
| Launch site | Kennedy LC-39A |
Dextre, also known as the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM), is a two-armed robot, or telemanipulator, which is part of the Mobile Servicing System on the International Space Station (ISS), and does repairs that would otherwise require astronauts to do spacewalks. It was launched on March 11, 2008, on the mission STS-123.
Dextre is a part of Canada's contributions to the ISS and was named to represent its dexterous nature. Dextre is the newest of three Canadian robotic arms used on the ISS, preceded by the Space Shuttle's Canadarm and the large Canadarm2. Dextre was designed and manufactured by MDA.[1]
In the early morning of February 4, 2011, Dextre completed its first official assignment which consisted of unpacking two pieces for Kounotori 2 while the on-board crew was sleeping.[2]
- ^ CanWest News Service, '"Canada Hand" successfully installed' Archived 2014-03-26 at the Wayback Machine, 15 March 2006
- ^ Dextre Successfully Completes Its First Official Job, NASA, 2011-02-04