MacDonald Dettwiler delivers the second Canadian robotics component destined for the International Space Station
MD Robotics, a subsidiary of MacDonald,
Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., has achieved a significant milestone
with the delivery of the Mobile Base System (MBS) to NASA’s Kennedy Flight
Center. As a key project of the Canadian Space Program, the MBS is the second
of three Mobile Servicing System components that Canada is contributing to the
International Space Station.
The Mobile Base System is the foundation for the International Space
Station’s Mobile Servicing System, that will serve as a storage location and
work platform for astronauts during on-orbit assembly and maintenance tasks.
The MBS is equipped with cameras and vital electrical, power and data
interfaces necessary for the operation of the Canadian-built robotics system
and Space Station payloads.
Chris Woodland, director of the MSS program at MD Robotics said, "As we
move from the MBS build stage to sustaining engineering, the team of
professionals responsible for the development of the MBS will shift their
focus to supporting the equipment during the launch phase and on-orbit
activities."
"This is a major milestone in the Mobile Servicing System program," added
Mag Iskander, Vice President and General Manager of MD Robotics. "MD Robotics
is recognized as an industry leader and this prime contract with the Canadian
Space Agency, for Canada’s contribution to the International Space Station,
has created key technologies that better position us to capitalize on growing
commercial space market opportunities around the world."
The MSS is comprised of three components: the Space Station Remote
Manipulator System, scheduled to be launched in April 2001, the Mobile Base
System, and the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, which is scheduled for
completion in Spring 2001.
About MacDonald Dettwiler
MacDonald Dettwiler is an information company that provides essential
information from anywhere in the world for decision making in the workplace.
The Company operates its business through two principal groups. The
Information Products Group delivers essential land information products and
services in three categories including: Legal Information, Asset Information,
and Geographical Information. The Information Systems Group provides mission
critical information systems to three major applications: Monitoring
Activities on the Planet, Managing Mobile Assets, and Enabling the Mobile
workforce. MacDonald Dettwiler employs 1,750 people around the world through a
network of offices, subsidiaries, and distributors.
Note to editors:
See the MBS at the Kennedy Space Centre on the web at:
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/payload/missions/station/sspf-video.html
Photos of the MBS delivery are also available on the MD Robotics web
site.Related web sites:
