Lira (ISS)

The Lira (Лира, meaning "Lyre" in Russian) was a Russian robotic arm planned for use on the Russian Orbital Segment (ROS) of the International Space Station (ISS). It was intended to assist cosmonauts with extravehicular activity (EVA), also known as spacewalks, and to manipulate payloads outside the station.

Originally designed by RKK Energia, Lira was significantly scaled back from its initial specifications due to budgetary constraints. A simpler version was subsequently developed and integrated with the Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM) Nauka. However, upon Nauka's arrival at the ISS in July 2021, the Lira robotic arm was deemed non-operational.

During Nauka's commissioning, problems were identified with Lira's control system and motors. Attempts to troubleshoot and repair the arm remotely from ground control proved unsuccessful. As a result, Lira was deemed unusable in its current configuration.

Following the discovery of its malfunctions, there were discussions about potentially repairing Lira during a future spacewalk, or possibly replacing it entirely. However, no firm plans for its repair or replacement have been officially announced as of late 2023, and its current status is essentially non-operational, rendering it primarily dead weight on the MLM.

The European Robotic Arm (ERA), also located on the ROS, is now the primary robotic arm available for use on the Russian segment of the ISS.