MD Robotics to Develop Berthing Mechanism for Vehicles Visiting the ISS

BRAMPTON, Ont. - MD Robotics, a subsidiary of MacDonald Dettwiler (TSE:MDA), has received a contract from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan to provide an interface that will allow Canadarm2 to assist in berthing the HTV (H-II Transfer Vehicle), which NASDA (National Space Development Agency of Japan) is currently developing as one of NASDA's contributions to the International Space Station.

The contract is to develop a separation mechanism that will allow payloads to be remotely disengaged from Canadarm2. The mechanism will use the same "capture and release" interface developed by MD Robotics for the Canadarm2.

"This contract is the result of the successful cooperation and valued relationship that we have developed with Japan over the years," said Mag Iskander, vice president and general manager of MD Robotics. "As the prime contractor for Canadarm2, we are pleased to work with our international colleagues toward the ongoing success of the International Space Station."

MD Robotics is the world?s leader in space robotics committed to offering hi-tech, sophisticated robotic and engineering solutions for space and terrestrial applications.

HTV H-II Transfer Vehicles Movie gallery

Related Websites:
www.mdrobotics.ca
www.mda.ca