Robotic systems for the International Space Station
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 on structures and as part of modules in the future.
One of these systems is the European Robotic Arm, ERA, for which Astrium supplied essential systems such as end effectors and onboard computers. Also, Astrium played a major 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
ERA will use its infrared cameras for carrying out inspections of the space station’s external surfaces.
Launch is planned for 2012. Prime contractor for this element is Dutch Space, a 100% subsidiary of Astrium
