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Canada has contributed this essential component to the International Space Station. The Mobile Servicing System is a three part robotic system that plays a crucial role in space station assembly and maintenance by moving supplies around the station and assisting astronauts in their work. Canadarm2, attached in April 2001, is a 57-foot robotic arm with seven motorized joints that can assist with docking and handling large payloads. The Mobile Base System, attached in June 2002, is a work platform that moves along rails covering the station. It provides maneuverability for Canadarm2. The third piece of the MSS is the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, also called the Canada Hand. It's a small two-armed robotic hand attached to the end of Canadarm2 that's capable of handling the more delicate mechanical tasks currently handled by space-walking astronauts. Canada Hand is not expected to make its debut at the station until 2005.
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