Canadarm2 Ready To Roll On Space Station Railway

Richmond, B.C. - MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSE: MDA) ) confirmed today that the latest robotic space components installed on the International Space Station are completely operational, following the final space walk of the 13-day mission on Thursday.

Canadarm2 and the Mobile Base System, developed for the Canadian Space Agency by MDA, are ready to travel the 'railway in space'.

All robotic activities conducted during the successful STS-111 shuttle mission were completed as planned. Canadarm2 skillfully lifted the 1500 kg. Mobile Base System (MBS) from the Shuttle cargo bay last Sunday, positioning it perfectly on the waiting Mobile Transporter.

Astronauts Franklin Chang-Diaz and Frenchman Philippe Perrin completed their work a full hour and a half ahead of schedule... "I want to say a few words for the Canadians," Perrin radioed as he prepared to re-enter the airlock. "They've put together a wonderful piece of hardware and everything worked fantastic. I'm very proud of the MBS. Thanks to all who worked on that program."

The next task was to replace a 'wrist joint' on the Canadarm2, restoring it to full capability in both primary and back-up modes.

The Mobile Servicing System is Canada's contribution to the International Space Station. The first two components, Canadarm2 and the Mobile Base System, are now resident on the International Space Station. The final component is a revolutionary two-armed robot called the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, which is undergoing final testing at the MDA robotics facility in Brampton, Ontario.

Related Websites:
www.mda.ca
www.space.gc.ca