Mobile Servicing System

Astronaut Stephen K. Robinson anchored to the end of the Canadarm2 during STS-114, 2005
Canadarm2 moves Rassvet to berth with the station on STS-132, 2010

The Mobile Servicing System (MSS), is a robotic system on board the International Space Station (ISS). Launched to the ISS in 2001, it plays a key role in station assembly and maintenance; it moves equipment and supplies around the station, supports astronauts working in space, and services instruments and other payloads attached to the ISS and is used for external maintenance. Astronauts receive specialized training to enable them to perform these functions with the various systems of the MSS.

The MSS is composed of three components:

  • the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), known as Canadarm2.
  • the Mobile Remote Servicer Base System (MBS).
  • the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM, also known as "Dextre" or "Canada hand").

The system can move along rails on the Integrated Truss Structure on top of the US provided Mobile Transporter cart which hosts the MRS Base System. The system's control software was written in the Ada 95 programming language.[1]

The MSS was designed and manufactured by MDA, (previously divisions of MacDonald Dettwiler Associates called MDA Space Missions, MD Robotics, and previously called SPAR Aerospace) for the Canadian Space Agency's contribution to the International Space Station.

  1. ^ "Case Study: MDA - Canadian Space Arm" (PDF). AdaCore. Retrieved 2009-10-15.