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 does repairs that would otherwise require astronauts to do spacewalks. It was launched on March 11, 2008, on the mission STS-123.
Dextre, many of the ISS's Robotic arms and experiments, can be operated from Earth, performing tasks while the crew sleeps.
Dextre on the end of Canadarm2
Dextre, as photographed by an Expedition 26 crew member
Dextre, as photographed by an Expedition 27 crew member
The Mobile Servicing System (MSS), is a robotic system on board the International Space Station (ISS). Launched to the ISS in 2001, it plays a key role in station assembly and maintenance; it moves equipment and supplies around the station, supports astronauts working in space, and services instruments and other payloads attached to the ISS and is used for external maintenance. Astronauts receive specialized training to enable them to perform these functions with the various systems of the MSS.
Astronaut Stephen K. Robinson anchored to the end of the Canadarm2 during STS-114, 2005
Canadarm2 moves Rassvet to berth with the station on STS-132, 2010
Astronaut Leroy Chiao controlling Canadarm2 from the Destiny lab
The exterior of the Canadarm is clad with Kevlar fabric, while the arm itself is made from Titanium, pictured above Lake Balkhash.
