Next-Generation Canadarm Unveiled (Forwarded)

Canadian Space Agency
Longueuil, Quebec

September 27, 2012

Next-Generation Canadarm Unveiled

Brampton, Ontario -- Today, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis,
Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency
(CSA), the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and
Technology), participated in the unveiling of the Next-Generation Canadarm
project (NGC).

"Like all Canadians, I am proud of the iconic Canadarm, that served the
Space Shuttle Program for three decades, as well as the Next-Generation
Canadarm, which will further Canada's legacy of excellence in space
robotics," said Minister Goodyear. "As we prepare to celebrate the 50th
anniversary of Canada in space, this is but one example of how our
Government's investment in innovation continues to drive science and
technology."

The NGC consists of four versatile state-of-the-art robotic prototypes and a
mission control station. Minister Goodyear, accompanied by Canadian
Astronaut Chris Hadfield toured MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates'
facilities in Brampton, Ontario, where the NGC prototypes, Canadarm2 and
Dextre were designed and built for the CSA. The Brampton facility is also
preparing the original Canadarm for its future public display.

In 2009, Canada's Economic Action Plan allocated $53.1 million over three
years to the Canadian Space Agency to maintain Canada's leadership in the
design and construction of the next generation of the Canadarm. The
resulting robotic systems provide Canada the capability to study solutions
for potential future missions or to service several types of spacecraft --
from space telescopes to refueling satellites. NGC's 15-metre robotic arm
can fit inside the average mini-van and will fit onboard future smaller
spacecraft. A smaller, 2.5 metre robotic arm is equipped with its own set of
sophisticated tools and was designed to repair satellites in space. A
test-bed allows engineers to simulate bringing two spacecraft together for
operations in close-contact. A second test facility simulates the steps
required to dock two vehicles together and a mission operations station
allows all NGC's systems to be operated remotely.

"Regardless of future space destinations, space robotics will be required
for a variety of missions, from rovers that act as robotic planetary
explorers to robots that will repair and refuel satellites and space
telescopes" explained Gilles Leclerc, Director General of Space Exploration
at CSA. "No matter the mission, Canada will be ready."

Since 2006, the Government of Canada has invested nearly $8 billion in
initiatives supporting science, technology and the growth of innovation
firms in Canada, including $5 billion for advanced research, education and
training; $2 billion for post-secondary infrastructure; and $1 billion for
applied research and financing. This funding has helped to make Canada a
world leader in post-secondary education research and to create the
knowledge and highly skilled workforce that are required for a more
prosperous economy.

For more detailed project information, please visit this link:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/media/b.../2012/0927.asp

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For more information, please contact:

Media Relations
Canadian Space Agency
450-926-4370
www.asc-csa.gc.ca