SpaceQ Space news and analysis.
The recent announcement by Microsat Systems Canada (MSCI) CEO David Cooper that his company is “launching a new initiative” to build a constellation of 78 small, relatively low-flying satellites designed to relieve internet and smart phone congestion and provide broadband access in rural locations, highlights the differences between small space focused Canadian firms and their larger commercial satellite and internet service provider cousins.
Read More »MDA Puts Robotic Expertise to Good use for Orbital's Cygnus Spacecraft
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) is taking advantage of their expertise in robotics as they recently signed a multi-million dollar contract amendement with Orbital Sciences Corporation to provide capture and mating solutions for Orbital’s autonomous Cygnus commercial resupply service spacecraft.
Read More »Canadian Built Dextre Passes Final Exam on the International Space Station
After several delays Canada’s robotic handyman named Dextre aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has passed its final exam and is now ready for full duties. Dextre, short for Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, was designed and built by MacDonald Dettwiler (MDA) for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Dextre along with Canadarm-2 on the ISS are known as the Mobile Servicing System (MSS).
Read More »Engineering Services Inc. Receives $3 Million Contract for Prototype Robotic Arms
The Canadian Space Agency today awarded Engineering Services Inc. (ESI) of Toronto a $3 million contract to develop prototype robotic arms, control stations and exploration tools that will be integrated into prototype lunar or martian rovers. The contract also includes an option for second arm worth $500,000.
Read More »An Overview of the Canadian Space Agency Exploration Core Program
At the recent 61st International Astronautical Congress in Prague, Jean-Claude Piedboeuf, Head of Exploration Planning at the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), provided an overview of Canada’s preparatory exploration activities. While Canada has been involved in exploration activities for 25 years with its contributions in robotics, science and astronaut core, it wasn’t until 2007 that the CSA created the Exploration Core Program to unify the activities …
Read More »Canadian Space Summit November 19-21
The Canadian Space Society announced the Call for Papers for the upcoming Canadian Space Summit. The summit is an annual conference that brings together all elements of the Canadian space industry. The annual meeting is being held between November 19th through the 21st at the Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa. In addition to displays, booths, and activities, the centerpiece of the Summit are two days …
Read More »Meet Canada's Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator or Dextre for Short
Call it an orbiting Edward Scissorhands. Although Dextre’s first major robotic work on the International Space Station this month was delayed due to a snagged truss, both the Canadian Space Agency and NASA anticipate it will replace spacewalkers for minor outside tasks during and after the station’s construction. Launched in 2008 aboard STS-123, the Canadian robotic hand – built by MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates in …
Read More »Dextre's final exam – l'examen final de Dextre
See the steps of Dextre’s final exam. Working from his perch on the end of Canadarm2, Dextre will close in on his target, unbolt the first circuit breaker and remove it. He will then back up slightly to give himself more room to rotate at the waist in order to align his free hand with the second circuit breaker, and will grab it and slide …
Read More »Agence spatiale canadienne entrevue avec Mathieu Caron
Entrevue avec Mathieu Caron, Dextre Contrleur de vol. Dextre est le robot le plus perfectionn jamais construit selon l’agence spatiale canadienne. Il est d’effectuer des travaux courants d’entretien et de rparation, comme le changement de batteries et le remplacement de camras l’extrieur de l’ISS.
Read More »Canadian Space Agency Interview Leslie with Sponder Dextre Operations Engineer and Mission Planner
Leslie Sponder is an Operations Engineer and Mission Planner who works with the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, or as it is better know as, Dextre. Dextre is the most sophisticated space robot ever built according to the Canadian Space Agency. It is designed to help in maintaining the health of the International Space Station (ISS). Dextre’s role is to perform maintenance work and repairs like …
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