Saint-Hubert (Québec), April 23, 2003 – Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency announced today the official name of the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator – “Dextre”. This Canadian advanced technology robot represents the power of innovation, technology and engineering that brings our space operations to a new plane. Dextre is the third and last component of the Mobile Servicing System, Canada’s contribution to the International Space Station.
“I am particularly proud to present to you Dextre, an unparalleled robot that embodies Canadian innovation and excellence in space technology,” said Allan Rock. “Canada has developed an expertise in space robotics that is recognized beyond our borders and our world renowned industrial team is continuing to drive Canadian innovation.”
“MD Robotics and our sub-contractors are proud that their expertise, innovation and dedication are helping Canada and our international partners build the largest scientific and engineering space project ever undertaken, the International Space Station,” said Mag Iskander, Vice President and General Manager, MD Robotics.
During the naming ceremony, Marc Garneau, President of the Canadian Space Agency, acknowledged the outstanding collaboration and engineering excellence of MD Robotics as well as Canadian companies who designed and constructed the Mobile Servicing System. “Space was the inspiration for the creation of Canadarm, Canadarm2, the Mobile Base and now, Dextre. This Canadian robotic technology is helping astronauts perform highly complex assembly and maintenance tasks in space while delivering benefits to Canadians and all of humanity”
Scheduled for launch in 2005, Dextre is a highly advanced, relocatable two-armed robot designed to be placed either on the end of Canadarm2, on the Mobile Base, or on the Station to perform external maintenance on the International Space Station.