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Dextre Moves Into Place, Awaits First Call

Gigantic robot successfully added to space station

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 19, 2008 5:10 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The giant space robot Dextre moved into his new digs last night, and now resides outside the International Space Station's Destiny lab awaiting his first marching orders. Back at Mission Control the mood is buoyant, reports the Houston Chronicle. "That really was the kind of spacewalk that when it's done, you just want to throw your hands up in the air and howl at the moon," said the project's director after the robot was in place.

Houston can now control the $209 million Canadian-designed robot remotely to perform routine maintenance. But, reports the AP, it may take months to a year before Dextre gets his first call—depending on when a suitable task comes along and how long further checks take. Endeavor's astronauts were taking a little time off today, halfway through their record 16-day mission.

This image made from NASA TV, Mission Specialist Rick Linnehan works on the Canadian robot, named Dextre, Thursday March 13, 2008.
This image made from NASA TV, Mission Specialist Rick Linnehan works on the Canadian robot, named Dextre, Thursday March 13, 2008.   (Associated Press)
This photo made from NASA TV shows an astronaut outside the international space station as he works on putting together Dextre, the gigantic walking and working machine.
This photo made from NASA TV shows an astronaut outside the international space station as he works on putting together Dextre, the gigantic walking and working machine.   (Associated Press)
Details about NASA's Dextre robot.
Details about NASA's Dextre robot.   (Associated Press)
This undated artist's illustration of the Canadian space robot Dextre was released by the Canadian Space Agency in Longueuil, Canada, Friday, March 14, 2008.
This undated artist's illustration of the Canadian space robot Dextre was released by the Canadian Space Agency in Longueuil, Canada, Friday, March 14, 2008.   (Associated Press)
Astronaut Rick Linnehan installs both the Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) tool change out mechanisms on the Canadian-built Dextre robotic system.
Astronaut Rick Linnehan installs both the Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) tool change out mechanisms on the Canadian-built Dextre robotic system.   (Associated Press)
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COMMENTS
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Dextre first had to fold his arms
Orlando Sentinel

Robot's shipping pallet has a lot of history
Space.com

 
Canada • astronauts • International Space Station • robot • Endeavour • maintenance • Dextre

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