Canada Embraces Space with Open Arms

Brampton, Ontario ..... A new era of space robotics technology began this week with the successful delivery and installation of Canadarm2 on the International Space Station (ISS). Developed by MD Robotics, a subsidiary of MacDonald Dettwiler (TSE:MDA), Canadarm2's innovative design and revolutionary capability is essential to the further construction and maintenance of the International Space Station (ISS).

The installation of the Canadarm2 on the ISS was skillfully accomplished on Sunday, April 22 with the able assistance of two other notable Canadians, Astronaut Chris Hadfield and the original Canadarm. A team of MD Robotics engineers supported Col. Hadfield from Mission Control in Houston throughout this historical spacewalk.

"This is an important day in Canadian space history and a mission that is destined to be remembered as the most dramatic and memorable ever undertaken," said Chris Woodland, director of Mobile Servicing System Program. "When the Canadarm2 was powered up and took its first step it was truly remarkable and exhilarating. It signifies the culmination of effort from some of Canada's leading aerospace professionals coast to coast and a testament to 20 years of Canadian innovation and dedication. I would like to personally thank the Canadian Space Agency for their confidence and support of MD Robotics as the prime contractor. I would also like to congratulate and thank our industrial team - IMP, EMS, CAE, FRE, SED, Novatronics and, of course, MDA for their significant contribution in bringing this day to fruition."

With the new 17.6 metre arm installed, the shuttle and station crews successfully completed the first dual robotic arm operation ever conducted in space, using the new Canadarm2 to transfer the pallet on which it was launched over to the original Canadarm for return to Endeavour's payload bay.

"Two generations of robotic arms have been extended in a proud Canadian 'handshake'- proud for all of us at MDA and our industry team of subcontractors and proud for all Canadians - as Canada's leadership in space robotics technology is once again showcased on the international stage," said Mag Iskander, vice president and general manager of MD Robotics. "We look forward in the coming years to continue advancing our robotics expertise in the emerging space exploration and satellite servicing markets."

Canadarm2 is the first of three Mobile Servicing System components developed by MD Robotics under contract to the Canadian Space Agency. The second component scheduled to be launched in 2002 is the Mobile Base System followed by the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, a new dual armed robot, in 2004.

About MD Robotics

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, Canada's contribution to the International Space Station visit our web site www.mdrobotics.ca

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