MD Robotics Prepares for Launch of Canadarm2

When the U.S. Space Shuttle Endeavour lifts off from the Kennedy Space Center on April 19, 2001, the international spotlight will be focused on Canada as the next generation robotic arm, Canadarm2, is delivered and installed on the International Space Station. As prime contractor to the Canadian Space Agency, MD Robotics, a subsidiary of MacDonald Dettwiler (TSE:MDA), was responsible for the development and build of Canadarm2, with contributions from a country-wide team of Canadian sub-contractors and suppliers.

The 17-metre arm, carefully stowed in the Shuttle's cargo bay, is ready to take its first step onto the International Space Station. Preparation for this unprecedented maneuver will employ the technology and skill of two other great Canadian legends - the original Canadarm, also developed by MD Robotics, and Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield.

"This will be an incredible moment for the thousands of Canadians coast to coast that contributed to this engineering marvel," said Chris Woodland, director of the Mobile Servicing System program at MD Robotics. "As the arm begins to unfold and the Canada word mark is majestically displayed, we can all feel tremendously proud of this showcase of Canadian technology and talent."

After Canadarm2 is installed, and before the mission concludes, the two arms will perform what has been coined as the farewell 'handshake' before the original Canadarm is stowed in its familiar resting place down the side of the shuttle's cargo bay for return to earth. Canadarm2 will remain on-orbit ready to assist with the station's assembly and maintenance.

"This mission will be a momentous occasion for MD Robotics as we watch two generations of our robotic technology working together in space," said Mag Iskander, vice president and general manager of MD Robotics. "It will highlight the evolution in space robotics technology and clearly demonstrate the Canadian Space Agency's and MD Robotics' strong commitment to advancing Canada's enviable position as the world leader in space robotics."

Canadarm2 is one of three components developed by MD Robotics for the Mobile Servicing System, Canada's contribution to the International Space. The second component scheduled to be launched is the Mobile Base System in 2002, followed by the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator in 2004.

MD Robotics, a subsidiary of MacDonald Dettwiler, is the world's leading space robotics company, committed to offering hi-tech, sophisticated robotic and engineering solutions for space and terrestrial applications.

For more information on Canadarm2 and the Mobile Servicing System visit our web site www.mdrobotics.ca

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