Dextre, the CSA’s robot on board the ISS, has achieved the most complicated operation in space. Dextre has performed the Robotic Refueling Mission’s initial phases precisely, between March 7th and 9th.
NASA has partnered with the Canadian Space Agency to design the Robotic Refueling Mission that represents the potential of robots to refuel and serve the irreparable satellites existing in space. This is the first time for Dextre to demonstrate a R&D technology on board the ISS.
A mock satellite has been constructed for the Robotic Refueling Mission by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. It was in-built with several nozzles, caps, and valves, similar to the components used on satellites. The module includes four specialized tools that enable the interaction of diverse interfaces by Dextre.
- Testing and retrieval of three of the tools to confirm their survival despite the harsh launch process.
- During the module's flight to the Space Station, seven launch locks securing four small tool adapters were released.
- Cutting two razor-thin wires that bind the valve caps to the module. Dextre, measuring 3.7-m high, in order to cut one of the wires, precisely slided a tiny hook under the wire with only 1 mm of clearance.
Dextre's operation in the mission’s initial phase can be concluded as follows:
Following the accomplishment of the initial phase, RRM operations will recommence in May 2012. Dextre will face more challenges during RRM Refueling task, wherein the robot will be employed on the mock satellite for fuel transfer from one of the RRM tools to a refueling port.
Source: http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/