The Canadarm is a robotic arm used for moving payloads in and out of the space shuttle. It demonstrated the potential of robotic devices in space and established Canadian engineering in space research. It has been used for tasks such as repairing the Hubble Telescope and assembling the International Space Station. The Canadarm has never failed during deployment, and its technical specifications are maintained for future generations.
The Canadarm was a robotic manipulator originally designed for use aboard the space shuttle. Commissioned in 1975 and first launched in 1981, it was a major engineering development in the history of manned spaceflight. It demonstrated the potential applications of robotic devices in space and also firmly established Canadian engineering in space research, even though Canada did not have a space program. Several iterations of the device have been produced for use aboard various missions.
This device consists of a long, hinged arm controlled robotically from the cockpit. Officially known as the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS), it is designed to allow astronauts to move payloads in and out of the space shuttle. It can be used for other tasks as well, ranging from repairs to the Hubble Telescope to assembling the International Space Station (ISS). A second generation device, Canadarm2, has been permanently installed on the ISS.
Development work for various aspects of spaceflight may be outsourced to agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). While agencies often prefer to work with domestic companies, international cooperation is not uncommon, as illustrated by the Canadarm. NASA has ordered a device it could use to handle shuttle payloads and potentially use for other activities in space that require the grasping and manipulation of objects. During their deployment, the various Canadarm designs have never failed, although one was destroyed in the 2003 Columbia disaster.
Inventions like the Canadarm illustrated the potential of manned spaceflight, showing how astronauts could use the technology to accomplish tasks and increase personal safety. The device was capable of very precise movements measured in small increments for critical adjustments. The astronauts required some training to learn how to use it safely and effectively. After 2003, in addition to being used for cargo maneuvers, the Canadarm was also employed with video and monitoring systems to inspect the Space Shuttle exterior for signs of damage that could create safety issues during reentry.
A few examples of Canadarm models are on display in Air Force museums, for people interested to see. These and other artifacts are carefully maintained by conservation experts to ensure they are available for future generations. The technical specifications are also maintained in the archives, to allow engineers to learn more about the design and construction of the Canadarm. This information may be of interest from a purely historical perspective and may also provide insight into more advanced robotics projects.
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