This jointed robotic arm, known as the Canadarm or Remote Manipuplator System arm was used to move payloads and position astronauts working outside the Space Shuttle or International Space Station. Attached to the payload bay sill of the shuttle orbiter and remotely operated by an astronaut at a control station inside the spacecraft, the arm has shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints plus an end effector that serves as a grappling hand. Television cameras mounted on the arm assist the operator in precisely controlling its movements. Although it can lift large masses in space, the arm cannot support its own weight on Earth.
This Canadarm flew on 15 missions and four orbiters from 1994 through 2011, including Discovery’s last six missions, all to the International Space Station. The Canadian Space Agency supplied robotic arms for the shuttle and space station programs. NASA delivered this arm separately with Discovery in 2012 rather than leave it installed inside the spacecraft so visitors could view it on display.
Display Status
This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
Canada
Type
EQUIPMENT
Manufacturer
MDA Robotics and Automation
Spar Aerospace Ltd.
Dimensions
3-D: 38cm x 15m (15 in. x 50 ft.)
Height from floor in support stand: 86.4cm (34 in.)
Weight: 450 kg (992 lb.)
Materials
Graphite-epoxy, Kevlar, copper, electronics, kapton, Darcon scrim cloth, Beta cloth, wax, plastic, velcro, paint
Inventory Number
A20130168000
Credit Line
Transferred from National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
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