Space: October 4, 2000

Archives

New manipulator systems are being prepared for the International Space Station. Canada's Remote Manipulator System is due to be taken to the station in April 2001.This system, an enlarged version of the arm on the Space Shuttle, can maneuver 100 tons of mass in zero gravity. Next will be the Mobile Base System which will be launched in early 2002. This system will be used to carry equipment along the main truss framework. Finally, the Canadian Special Purpose Dextrous Manipulator will be launched in 2004. This system can only handle 1.5 tons, but can position it with extreme accuracy.--Stephen V Cole