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# Mobile Servicing System

### Quick Facts

Astronaut Luca Parmitano rides the Canadarm2 robotic arm during a spacewalk on Jan. 25, 2020.

The Canadarm2 robotic arm guides Japan’s Kounotori cargo craft for installation on the orbital outpost on Aug. 24, 2015.

The Canadarm2 robotic arm maneuvers the Quest airlock for installation on the International Space Station on July 15, 2001.

- U.S. Elements   - Unity Module
  - Destiny Laboratory Module
  - External Stowage Platform-1
  - External Stowage Platform-2
  - External Stowage Platform-3
  - Harmony Module
  - EXPRESS Logistics Carrier-1
  - EXPRESS Logistics Carrier-2
  - Tranquility Module
  - Cupola
  - EXPRESS Logistics Carrier-4
  - Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2
  - EXPRESS Logistics Carrier-3
  - Bigelow Expandable Activity Module
  - NanoRacks Bishop Airlock
- International Elements   - Zarya Module
  - Zvezda Service Module
  - Canadarm2 Robotic Arm
  - Pirs Docking Compartment
  - Mobile Base System
  - Columbus Laboratory Module
  - Japanese Logistics Module
  - Dextre
  - Kibo Laboratory Module
  - Japanese Exposed Facility
  - Poisk Mini-Research Module
  - Rassvet Mini-Research Module
  - Permanent Multipurpose Module
  - Nauka Multipurpose Laboratory Module
  - Prichal Docking Module
- Truss Segments/Solar Arrays   - Zenith-1 (Z1) Truss
  - Port-6 (P6) Truss
  - Starboard-0 (S0) Truss
  - S1 Truss
  - P1 Truss
  - P3/P4 Truss
  - P5 Truss Spacer
  - S3/S4 Truss
  - S5 Truss Spacer
  - S6 Truss Spacer
  - Roll-Out Solar Arrays 2B/4B
  - Roll-Out Solar Arrays 3A/4A
  - Roll-Out Solar Arrays 1A/1B

The Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, also known as Dextre, performs robotic maintenance like changing batteries and replacing cameras outside the International Space Station. Dextre, a fine-tuned robotic hand, is equipped with lights, video equipment, a tool platform, and four tool holders. Dextre’s dual-arm design and precise handling capabilities reduces the need for spacewalks giving astronauts more time to conduct science. Dextre is operated by robotics controllers both at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and the Canadian Space Agency’s headquarters in Saint-Hubert.

**Dextre**Mass: 3,664 poundsLength: 11.4 feet

The Mobile Base System provides a movable work platform for the Canadarm2 and Dextre. It moves on the Mobile Transporter rail car along truss rails covering the length of the space station. It can traverse the main trusses to access any of eight worksites that feature power connections for the base and any of its attachments.

**Mobile Base System**Mass: 3,196 poundsDimensions: 18.5 x 14.6 x 9.4 feet

Canadarm2 is part of the Canadian Space Agency’s  contribution to the International Space Station. The 57.7-foot-long robotic arm was extensively involved in the assembly of the orbiting laboratory. Each end of Canadarm2 features an identical “hand,” known as a Latching End Effector (LEE). The LEEs contain cables that tighten to ensure a strong grip and allow the robotic arm to firmly grasp objects or latch itself to the station.

Canadarm2 can easily be commanded to move wherever it needs to go on the orbital outpost. Each of its ends can be used as an anchor point while the other carries out various tasks. The anchoring end must be secured to a power data grapple fixture. These fixtures are located at a number of key points on the station’s outer structure.

**Canadarm2 Robotic Arm**Mass: 3,300 poundsLength: 57.7 feetDegrees of Freedom: 7

## Mission Overview

**Dextre**Launch: 3/11/08Installation: 3/18/08

**Mobile Base System**Launch: 6/5/02Installation: 6/10/02

**Canadarm2 Robotic Arm**Launch: 4/19/01Installation: 4/22/01

## More Humans in Space Topics

Space Station Research and Technology

Station Benefits for Humanity

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Humans In Space