Robotics Play Pivotal Role in Hubble Repair

Richmond, B.C - Macdonald Dettwiler (MDA) subsidiary MD Robotics can count the recent Space Shuttle servicing mission (STS-103) last December as a major success for the Canadarm and the future of MDA commercial robotics. The arm was an integral participant in putting the Hubble telescope back in business and effectively restoring NASA's premier optical space observatory to full capability.

MDA aims to build on the success of the robotic arm technology that has been used in multiple shuttle missions to advance its opportunities in the burgeoning market for commercial robotics.

MDA President & CEO, Daniel Friedmann, says, "The success of the Canadarm in shuttle missions supports MDA's future growth plans to apply advanced robotics to commercial satellites, on-orbit servicing, and planetary exploration missions."

"In this recent mission astronauts had the benefit of performing their intricate tasks with the recently upgraded control system on the Canadarm" said Mag Iskander, vice president and general manager of MD Robotics. "The new control system provided improved overall handling, accuracy and responsiveness to the astronauts' commands. All of our work in this regard will translate into advances with MDA's future commercial robotics projects."

The Canadarm was used to capture the Hubble and place it in the Space Shuttle's cargo bay and as a work platform to support four space walks by astronauts. After 24 hours of repairs and upgrades the Canadarm then re-deployed the telescope. Hubble has now resumed probing the Universe's mysteries with a crystal-clear view.

About MacDonald Dettwiler (MDA)

MacDonald Dettwiler is Canada's leading space company and a world-class provider of information used to help people manage their activities on the planet. The Company employs more than 1500 people at offices in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and International locations.

To view images of the Canadarm in action please visit:
http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/gsfc/spacesci/hst/main/sm/sm_low/hst_dock.jpg