The Mobile Servicing System (MSS) is a sophisticated robotic system critical to the assembly, maintenance and servicing of the ISS itself. The MSS is comprised of three components including the Space Remote Manipulator System, the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, and the Mobile Base System. This combination represents some of the most advanced robotics in the world. “We will continue to provide CSA with the highest level of service to support the Mobile Servicing System during ground processing, launch and on-orbit operations,” said Chris Woodland, director Mobile Servicing System program. “This project will ensure Canada maintains its expertise and leadership role in advanced robotics.”

Mag Iskander, vice president and general manager of MD Robotics added, “MD Robotics’ commitment and experience in sustaining engineering and on-orbit services is well established with more than 20 years of continued support to NASA on the Canadarm program. This new contract gives us the opportunity to expand this core business.”

Canadian robotics will be utilized on virtually all of the 40-plus shuttle flights that will deliver nearly one million pounds of structures and equipment required to construct the station. When the 356 ft. by 290 ft. world-class orbiting laboratory is completed, the Mobile Servicing System, including the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator assembly currently being developed by MD Robotics, will continue to service and maintain the station 220 miles above earth for the next 15-20 years. Through its performance on this contract, MD Robotics anticipates earning a continuing key role in providing sustaining engineering throughout the life of the station.

About MacDonald Dettwiler
MacDonald Dettwiler is an information company that provides essential information from anywhere in the world for decision making in the workplace. The Company operates its business through two principal groups: the Information Products Group and the Information Systems Group. The Information Products Group delivers essential land information products and services in three categories including: Legal Information, Asset Information, and Geographical Information.

The Information Systems Group provides mission critical information systems to three major applications: Monitoring Activities on the Planet, Managing Mobile Assets, and Enabling the Mobile workforce. MacDonald Dettwiler employs 1700 people around the world through a network of offices, subsidiaries, and distributors.

About MD Robotics
MD Robotics, subsidiary of MacDonald Dettwiler, is Canada’s leading space robotics company committed to offering hi-tech, sophisticated robotic and engineering solutions for space and terrestrial applications.

About The International Space Station (ISS) The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest and most ambitious space program since the Apollo moon landings and the largest scientific joint effort among nations in history. The International Space Station partners a global team led by NASA. Countries participating in the program include the United States, Canada, Japan, Russia, Brazil and a consortium of European communities under the flag of the European Space Agency. Each of the international partners is providing key elements to the program. The first components of the station were placed in orbit in late 1998.

The space station will provide unique laboratories to conduct research in fields such as astronomy, life sciences and materials, as well as locations to assemble satellites and space platforms too large and fragile to launch directly from Earth. The advanced technologies being used to construct the station will find applications in many industries on earth