It's Alive! Dextre Flexes its Muscles, Gets Ready to Work on ISS (Forwarded)

Canadian Space Agency

For more information, please contact:

Canadian Space Agency
CSA Media Relations Office
450-926-4370
www.space.gc.ca

March 18, 2008

It's Alive! Dextre Flexes its Muscles, Gets Ready to Work on the
International Space Station

LONGUEUIL, QUEBEC -- After a picture-perfect night launch on March 11 and
three spacewalks to assemble it, Dextre was activated today. Canada's
advanced, two-armed robot is now successfully installed on the International
Space Station and ready for action. Endeavour's Canadarm lifted Dextre from
its cradle in the Shuttle payload bay and handed it over to the
International Space Station's Canadarm2 in a majestic manoeuvre known as the
"Canadian handshake in space".

Now that Dextre is installed, Canada's Mobile Servicing System, an
innovative suite of space robotics on the International Space Station, is
complete. Dextre can be carried by two elements, the mobile base and
Canadarm2, or move independently. Dextre adds robotic tools and a range of
fine manipulation abilities to construction and maintenance operations on
the Space Station, which is now much larger than in 2001 when Canadarm2 was
installed. Dextre will accelerate assembly activities on the Station.

"Canadians everywhere can be proud of the ingenuity and innovation which
have made Canada a space robotics leader," said the Honourable Jim Prentice,
Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency
(CSA). "Our contribution to the International Space Station has opened doors
for Canadian scientists and industry in a quest for discovery that has great
potential for bringing real benefits to humanity."

Over the next few months, the two-armed robot will be heavily tested to
validate its performance. The addition of Dextre means that astronauts can
spend less time on spacewalks and more time inside the International Space
Station on microgravity science and industrial research.

"The installation of Dextre marks the culmination of years of hard work by
passionate and dedicated employees of the Canadian Space Agency and of our
industry partners," said Guy Bujold, CSA President. "The team that brought
Dextre to life is an example of true Canadian excellence. While Dextre
extends the reach of Canadian robotics in space, its creators are inspiring
young Canadians to reach for their dreams."

About the Canadian Space Agency

Established in 1989, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) coordinates all civil,
space-related policies and programs on behalf of the Government of Canada.
CSA directs its resources and activities through four key thrusts: Earth
Observation, Space Science and Exploration, Satellite Communications, and
Space Awareness and Learning. By leveraging international cooperation, the
CSA generates world-class scientific research and industrial development for
the benefit of humanity.