{"id":41131,"date":"2009-04-16T22:26:19","date_gmt":"2009-04-16T14:26:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-productionenv-bjg9h2g2bgg5b8aa.southeastasia-01.azurewebsites.net\/news\/iss-preparing-for-debuts-of-canadas-dextre-operations-and-japans-htv\/"},"modified":"2009-04-16T22:26:19","modified_gmt":"2009-04-16T14:26:19","slug":"iss-preparing-for-debuts-of-canadas-dextre-operations-and-japans-htv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/news\/iss-preparing-for-debuts-of-canadas-dextre-operations-and-japans-htv\/","title":{"rendered":"ISS preparing for debuts of Canada\u2019s Dextre operations and Japan\u2019s HTV"},"content":{"rendered":"

Canada\u2019s Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) robot \u201cDextre\u201d has reported himself as fit for duty, as the clock ticks down to his debut tasks on the International Space Station (ISS). Meanwhile, preparations are building up for the arrival of the first Japanese HTV (H-II Transfer Vehicle) \u2013 which may involve spare robotic work station hardware being flown up on the Russian resupply vehicle Progress 34P.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Dextre Checkout:<\/p>\n

Following the engineering resolution of a potential failure mode in the SPDM Power Switching Init (PSU), which saw the Canadian robot \u2018grounded\u2019 at the end of last year, Dextre is now back on track to assist with operations outside the orbital outpost.<\/p>\n

\"a210\"His role will be vital for the long-term health of the ISS, with his capabilities including the removal and replacement of dexterous compatible Orbit Replaceable Units (ORUs), along with the servicing of scientific payloads.<\/p>\n

Supporting EVA-based maintenance is also part of its role, along with the preposition of ORUs or Integrated Assemblies, the provision of lighting and camera support, actuating external mechanisms, performing inspection tasks, and extending the reach of the SSRMS (Space Station Remote Manipulator System). The Station will also gain its own Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) from the final shuttle mission.<\/p>\n

The robot arrived on the International Space Station (ISS) during STS-123, following his lift to orbit in Endeavour\u2019s Payload Bay.<\/p>\n

Engineers have now successfully completed the key roadmap checkout test, ahead of his first job on the ISS \u2013 which will involve the removal and replacement of the RPCM (Remote Power Control Module), scheduled for later this year.<\/p>\n

\u201cCheckout of the SPDM continued on the road to performing the first R&R operation with a RPCM this fall. Robotics ground controllers operated the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) via ground control,\u201d noted a minutes from the Space Station Program Control Board (SSPCB), on L2.<\/p>\n

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During the checkout, Dextre\u2019s fine-alignment maneuvering capabilities were tested, although with cameras and video downlinks.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith the SPDM held on the end of the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) (clear of the Lab window), SPDM Arm1 fine-alignment maneuvering capabilities were checked out in auto-sequence mode.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ground teams also checked out the Arm1 On-orbit Replacement Units (ORU) and Tool Change out Mechanism (OTCM) camera as well as the ground system developed to display alignment overlays with downlink video.\u201d<\/p>\n

The checkout marked the first time a dexterous arm was aligned with a dexterous grapple fixture and target on ISS, and was deemed to be a full success.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese operations were successful, demonstrating that maneuvers over distances as small as 2mm can be performed with control and precision. System performance was nominal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Preparing for HTV arrival:<\/p>\n

Eight years after its planned debut launch, the Japanese HTV is closing in on its debut mission to the ISS.<\/p>\n

\"a310\"The HTV is currently scheduled to launch on September 1 from Tanegashima Space Center on an H-IIB vehicle \u2013 into an initial 200 km x 300 km orbit.<\/p>\n

The JAXA cargo vehicle is capable of supplying a total of six tons of pressurized and unpressurized cargo to the ISS at an altitude of 407 km. Pressurized cargo can be received at the rack level (an International Standard Payload Rack (ISPR)) or sub-rack level; such as Cargo Transfer Bags (CTBs).<\/p>\n

Sub-rack level cargo is integrated into HTV resupply racks (HRRs). All HRRs and ISPR equivalents are integrated into the HTV Pressurized Logistics Carrier (PLC). Unpressurized cargo is integrated onto an exposed pallet and, subsequently, into the HTV Unpressurized Logistics Carrier (UPLC).<\/p>\n

After the HTV has delivered cargo to the ISS, waste cargo from the ISS is loaded into the HTV; and is destroyed upon reentry into the Earth\u2019s atmosphere.<\/p>\n

\u201cResupply volume: The PLC is capable of carrying 8 ISPR (or equivalent structural interface) racks. The water resupply subsystem inside of the PLC is capable of supplying up to 600 kg of water. The water tanks (8) are located in the standoff area of the PLC,\u201d noted an expansive 130 page presentation on the HTV, available on L2.<\/p>\n

The type I exposed pallet can support as many as three payloads (maximum 500 kg each). The type III exposed pallet can support up to six FRAM type payloads\/cargo with a total mass of no more than 1500 kg.<\/p>\n

See Also<\/h4>\n