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Description
D.E.X.T.R.E.
Dextre, also known as the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM), is a two armed robot, or telemanipulator, which is part of the Mobile Servicing System on the International Space Station (ISS),
and extends the function of this system to replace some activities otherwise requiring spacewalks.
It was launched March 11, 2008 on mission STS-123.
Dextre is part of Canada's contribution to the ISS and is named to represent its dexterous nature.
It is sometimes also referred to as the Canada Hand, by analogy with the Canadarm 1 and Canadarm 2.
Dextre’s Most Dexterous Task:
Canadian Space Agency Robot Sets Record for Precision
Dextre, the Canadian Space Agency’s robotic handyman on board the International Space Station (ISS), has accomplished the most intricate work ever performed by a robot in space. Over three days (March 7-9), Dextre successfully concluded the initial phases of the Robotic Refueling Mission with unprecedented precision. A collaboration between NASA and the Canadian Space Agency, the Robotic Refueling Mission was designed to demonstrate the ability of using robots to refuel and service existing satellites in space—especially those not designed for repair. The mission also marks the first time Dextre was used for a technology research and development demonstration on board the Station.
“The Robotic Refueling Mission required surgical precision and Dextre succeeded each task on the first attempt,” said Steve MacLean, President of the Canadian Space Agency. “It’s the robotic equivalent of threading a needle while standing on the end of a diving board. With thirty years of experience flowing through the iconic Canadarm, Canadarm2 and now Dextre, Canada has honed its skills in space robotics to millimetre precision.”
For the Robotic Refueling Mission, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center designed and built a mock satellite (roughly the size of a washing machine) fitted with various caps, nozzles and valves like those found on satellites. The module contains four specialized tools that Dextre can use to interact with these diverse interfaces. To conclude the initial checkout phase of the mission, Dextre’s duties included: retrieving and testing three of the tools to ensure they survived the rigours of launch; releasing seven launch locks that secured four small tool adapters during the module’s flight to the Space Station; and then cutting two razor-thin wires fastening valve caps to the module. One of these cuts required the 3.7-metre-high Dextre to slide a tiny hook under a wire with only about a millimetre of clearance—the most precise task ever attempted by Canada’s state-of-the-art robot. Operations on board the Space Station were choreographed and coordinated by international ground crews at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland; Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas; Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama; and the Canadian Space Agency's control center in Montreal (St. Hubert), Quebec, Canada.
RRM operations will tentatively resume in May 2012 with the completion of the initial phase. Dextre will be challenged even further in the summer months with the highly anticipated RRM Refueling task, which will require the robot to transfer fuel from one of the RRM tools to a refueling port on the mock satellite.
Comments (57)
Feliciti
very cool thing !!
GOLDILOCKSUK
Wow how interesting and also sounds complicated lol :) Cathy xoxoxo
tamburro
Fantastic my friend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
rayag
Great Bryce work!
nitegrafix
I'm a big fan of NASA, CSA and ISS myself. I've followed the ISS construction missions from the first. And I still follow the expedition crews. Great Bryce image and killer background info! ..:: V E R Y V E R Y C O O L ::.. ......................:: ♥ ::......................
thecytron
Coooooooooooool render!
Fidelity2
It is amazing. You are very talented. I want to see more from you. I thank you for this one. 5+!
bobrgallegos
Outstanding work on this awesome scene!!!! Great information!!
Richardphotos
the astronauts are losing their vision from repeated trips to space.outstanding work on this
emmecielle
Excellent work! :)
machobubba
This is a great looking image....
Flint_Hawk
It is amazing what can be done! Thanks for all of this information! Your picture is great!
carlx
Excellent composition!!!
J5ive
Very COOOL MU!
drifterlee
Very interesting, Magik!
adrie
Great and interesting image Mu, superb done.
tennesseecowgirl
Excellent work!
Minda
superb work and Great info magik.
Star4mation
Nicely done Magik :)
Jay-el-Jay
Nice work on this handy development for space exploration.
Glendaw
Outstanding work Magik. The intricate details are awesome. Thanks for sharing the information.
mariogiannecchini
Very interesting work , Magik !
RodS
Very col work, Real, and fascinating information!
danapommet
An amazing image my friend. I love it!
Rhanagaz
Excellent work in Bryce, Magik - and fine informations about this "handyman"!! :o)
junge1
Great render!
Fahrenheit451
Superb!!