Canadian Payloads and Expedition Two Crew En Route to the International Space Station

Space Shuttle Discovery blasted into
space today carrying Canada’s H-Reflex science experiment, a Canadian
robotic work station and the Expedition Two crew, all destined for the
International Space Station (ISS).

“While much of the attention will be focussed on the exchange of the ISS
crew when Discovery reaches its destination in space, there are also
important Canadian payloads being delivered,” said W.M. (Mac) Evans,
President of the Canadian Space Agency. “The H-Reflex experiment, which will
be Canada’s first experiment on the ISS, and the Robotic Work Stations, from
which Canadarm2 will be operated, are key Canadian contributions to this
multinational mission.”

The Hoffman Reflex, or H-Reflex, experiment, directed by Dr. Douglas Watt of
McGill University, will help us to understand exercise requirements for
astronauts during extended spaceflights. It may also lead to improvements in
managing balance disorders on Earth, particularly in the elderly. The
experiment will be performed over a period of several months both on the
Shuttle and on the Station. Three Expedition Two crewmembers and at least
one of the Expedition Three crewmembers will participate in the experiment.

“As a partner in the International Space Station project, Canada has access
to this unique laboratory in space,” said Mr. Barry Wetter, Director General
of the Canadian Space Agency’s Space Science Program. “The Canadian Space
Agency facilitates access to the ISS and supports Canadian research that
will impact on the health and safety of astronauts and benefit Canadians on
Earth.”

An additional Canadian component, the Robotic Workstations (RWS), developed
by MacDonald Dettwiler Robotics (MDR) under contract to NASA are being
brought to the ISS. The RWS are the control stations designed to provide an
operator with a capability to control and monitor the Space Station Remote
Manipulator System (SSRMS), now known as Canadarm2. The Robotic Workstations
are built to provide a highly reliable, seamless interface between man and
machine and feature display and control panels, hand controllers, video
monitors and computers. Two flight units will be installed on the ISS. One
will be located in the U.S. Lab Module, while the other will function as a
back-up workstation in the Cupola.

All this preparatory work will culminate in April with the delivery,
installation and operation of Canada’s main contribution to the ISS,
Canadarm2. Another milestone of Canada’s Space Program will be marked when
Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Chris Hadfield performs the first Canadian
spacewalk to install Canada’s next-generation robotic arm on the ISS.

About the CSA

Established in 1989 with its headquarters situated in Saint-Hubert, Quebec,
the Canadian Space Agency coordinates all aspects of the Canadian Space
Program. Through its Space Knowledge, Applications and Industry Development
business line, the CSA delivers services involving: Earth and the
Environment; Space Science; Human Presence in Space; Satellite
Communications; Generic Space Technologies; Space Qualification Services and
Awareness. The Canadian Space Agency is at the forefront of the development
and application of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and
humanity.

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For more information on the H-Reflex experiment:
http://www.space.gc.ca/whatsnew/releases/pressrel/2001/010302.asp

For more information on the Robotic Work Station: http://www.mdrobotics.ca

For more information:

Anna Kapiniari

Manager, Public Relations and Media

Canadian Space Agency

(450) 926-4350

anna.kapiniari@space.gc.ca