NASA’s Cargo-Moving Robotic Arm Named 300th IEEE Milestone
In the 1960s NASA began developing a system of reusable space shuttles to make its work more efficient and to reduce costs. The shuttles could launch like rockets, maneuver in Earth’s orbit, and land like airplanes. They also could carry large satellites to and from orbit. Like other types of transportation, machinery eventually breaks down, and parts need to be replaced or fixed. And the cargo…
In the 1960s, NASA initiated the development of reusable space shuttles to improve efficiency and lower expenses. These shuttles could launch like rockets, maneuver in orbit, and land like aircraft, and transport large satellites to and from orbit. Like any transportation, the machinery required maintenance, and parts needed replacement or repair.
The cargo transported also needed to be moved to its destination. To handle these tasks, Spar Aerospace (now part of MDA Space) in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, and the National Research Council in Ottawa collaborated on the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System. Known as Canadarms, these robotic tools attached to the shuttles' exteriors enabled astronauts to manipulate and transfer tools, satellites, and other payloads.
The project was a joint venture between the U.S. and Canadian governments. The first deployment took place on Columbia's second flight in 1981. The robotic arm was used for 30 years on five shuttles and the International Space Station. On June 19, Canadarm was designated as the 300th IEEE Milestone at MDA Space headquarters, sponsored by the IEEE Toronto Section.
IEEE History and Heritage group senior director Michael Geselowitz emphasized the milestone's significance, stating that it spans aerospace, robotics, and computing fields, involves international cooperation, and showcases IEEE's cutting-edge contributions to science and technology.
Written by urgent.news from IEEE Spectrum's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
