Mobile Servicing System

The Mobile Servicing System (MSS ) is a module for servicing the International Space Station ( ISS). It can transport parts from one boom to another, and is thus a kind of " boxcar ". It helps the astronauts at work and plays a key role in the construction of the station.

The system consists of three modules:

• The Canadarm2 is the advancement of the robot arm, which is used on the Space Shuttle. Fully extended it reaches a length of 17.6 meters. He can move a total mass of 116 tons. At different points of the station connectors are attached, in which the robot arm can be fixed. These so-called Power Data Grapple Fixture ( PDGF ) provide him with energy and with the executed commands. Thus, the Canadarm2 can a caterpillar-like motion, moving from PDGF to PDGF on the ISS, which his field of work is increased. He was brought to the ISS during mission STS -100.
• The Mobile Base System (MBS ) is a platform and used the Canadarm2 as the anchor point. The MBS can be along a rail system that is installed on the arms, moves. The core, the Mobile Transporter ( MT) is the engine of the whole system. He was brought together with the S0 Truss with STS -110 in early 2002 to the station. In June this year, the last part of the MBS was delivered with STS- 111 and placed on the MT.
• The Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator ( SPDM ) is an additional module for the Canadarm2, which is often referred to as "Canada Hand" or " Dextre ". It can be attached to the tip of the robot arm and increasing its applicability. SPDM was transported in March 2008 with STS -123 to the ISS.