In order to be able to support the astronauts in the assembly and maintenance of exterior station elements during the construction and operational phase, several remote-controlled manipulator systems will be installed upon structures and as part of modules in the future. One of these systems is the European Robotic Arm (ERA), for which Astrium has supplied essential systems such as end effectors and on-board computers. Also, Astrium played a mjor role in ESA's EUROBOT experiment, which aimed to study future robotic systems for space applications.
An important task for ERA will be to operate like a pair of pincers to transport astronauts to the position where they will perform their outside activities, or from one external location to another. This saves time and effort during spacewalk activities. ERA will also use its infrared cameras for carrying out inspections of the space station's external surfaces.
Launch is planned for 2009. The prime contractor for this element is Dutch Space, a 100% subsidiary of Astrium.
