Mobile servicing system

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Mobile Transporter during preparations in December 2001

The Mobile Servicing System (MSS) is a module for the maintenance of the International Space Station (ISS). It can transport spare parts from one boom to another and is therefore a kind of "freight wagon". It helps the astronauts at work and plays a key role in the construction of the station.

The system consists of three modules:

  • The Canadarm2 is the further development of the robot arm that is used on the space shuttle . When fully extended, it reaches a length of 17.6 meters. He can move a total mass of 116 tons. Connectors to which the robot arm can be fixed are attached at various points on the station. These so-called Power Data Grapple Fixtures (PDGFs) provide him with energy and the commands to be executed. The Canadarm2 can move from PDGF to PDGF over the ISS with a caterpillar-like movement, which increases its working area. It was brought to the ISS during the STS-100 mission .
  • The Mobile Base System (MBS) is a platform and serves as an anchor point for the Canadarm2. The MBS can be moved along a rail system that is laid on the booms . The core, the Mobile Transporter (MT), is the engine of the whole system. It was brought to the station together with the S0 truss with the STS-110 in spring 2002. In June of this year the last part of the MBS was delivered with an STS-111 and placed on the MT.
  • The Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) is an additional module for the Canadarm2, which is often referred to as "Canada-Hand" or "Dextre". It can be attached to the tip of the robot arm and expands its range of uses. SPDM was transported to the ISS with STS-123 in March 2008 .

Web links