Canadarm

The Canadarm, officially known as the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS), was a series of robotic arms used on the Space Shuttle orbiters from 1981 to 2011. Designed and built by Canada, primarily by Spar Aerospace (later acquired by MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates – MDA), the Canadarm was a crucial component for deploying, capturing, and manipulating payloads in space.

The arm was remotely controlled by astronauts inside the Shuttle's crew compartment. It provided a means to handle large objects, such as satellites, without requiring astronauts to perform risky spacewalks. The Canadarm was approximately 15 meters (50 feet) long and had six degrees of freedom, allowing for precise and versatile movements.

Its primary functions included:

• Deployment of satellites: The arm could lift satellites out of the Shuttle's cargo bay and place them into their intended orbits.

• Retrieval of satellites: The Canadarm could capture malfunctioning or damaged satellites for repair or return to Earth.

• Construction and maintenance of the International Space Station (ISS): The arm was used to help assemble the ISS and perform external maintenance tasks.

• Inspection of the Shuttle: Cameras mounted on the arm allowed astronauts to inspect the Shuttle's exterior for damage.

The Canadarm was a significant contribution to the Space Shuttle program and a symbol of Canadian technological innovation. Its success led to the development of the Canadarm2, a larger and more advanced robotic arm used on the International Space Station. The legacy of the Canadarm continues to inspire advancements in robotics and space exploration.