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MDA Space’s Canadarm2 onboard the ISS in 2021. | Source: MDA Space
MDA Space this week introduced that it has obtained a $250 million contract extension from the Canadian Space Agency. The contract will enable the corporate to proceed supporting robotics operations on the International Space Station, or ISS, from 2025 to 2030.
Brampton, Ontario-based MDA Space makes a speciality of satellites, Earth and area commentary, and area exploration and infrastructure. The firm stated it has 55 years of expertise as a mission accomplice to the area trade, and it has accomplished greater than 450 missions.
MDA Space stated it’s going to add the contract extension to its backlog within the second quarter of fiscal 12 months 2024.
Robot to satisfy flight-controller duties
As a part of the contract, MDA Space will fulfill robotics flight-controller duties to help mission operations on the ISS. The firm has labored alongside the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and its worldwide companions since 2001 to supply operational readiness for the Mobile Servicing System (MSS).
“Robotic flight controllers are the pilots in the control room who make real-time decisions and plan exactly how robotics on the ISS are utilized and executed to support immediate and long-term mission plans,” acknowledged Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space.
“We’re honored to be taking on this important role,” he added. “This further solidifies MDA Space as a trusted mission partner and global leader in mission-critical space robotics operations and strategically positions our team to offer mission operations as a commercial service to customers globally.”
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MDA Space co-developed Canadarm2, MSS
Canadarm2, the primary key a part of the MSS, is a 57.7-ft. (17.6 m)-long robotic arm that MDA Space developed with the CSA. Each finish of the arm options an equivalent manipulator often called a Latching End Effector (LEE).
The LEEs comprise cables that tighten to make sure sturdy grip. This permits the robotic arm to firmly grasp objects to latch itself to the station. Either finish of Canadarm2 can be utilized as an anchor level, whereas the opposite finish stays free to hold out duties.
The subsequent a part of the system is Dextre, or the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator. The robotic hand performs upkeep on the ISS, like altering batteries and changing cameras exterior of the station.
Dextre is supplied with lights, video gear, a device platform, and 4 device holders. It has a dual-arm design, lowering the necessity for spacewalks.
The final a part of the system is the Mobile Base System (MBS), which gives a movable work platform for Canadarm2 and Dextre. MBS strikes alongside the Mobile Transporter rail automotive alongside truss rails overlaying the area station. This permits it to traverse the principle trusses to entry the eight workstations which have energy connections for the bottom.
Earlier this month, MDA Space launched its MDA Skymaker product line. The firm stated this newest launch is a line of area robotics purpose-built to satisfy the various wants of its clients.