Space Shuttle Endeavour Launches with Canadarm2
April 19th, 2001
April 19th, 2001
How Long Ago?
23 years, 10 months, 24 days ago
Location
Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
Category
Space Exploration
People
- Kent Rominger
- Julie Payette
Links & References
Tags
Space Shuttle Endeavour Launches with Canadarm2
The Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on a mission designated STS-100, carrying the Canadarm2, a sophisticated robotic arm, to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission took place from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, and was crucial for enhancing the ISS's capabilities for construction and maintenance. The crew of Endeavour included commander Kent Rominger and mission specialist Julie Payette, who played significant roles in the deployment of Canadarm2. This advancement marked a vital step in the evolution of the ISS, enabling more efficient assembly and operation in orbit.
STS-100 was a landmark ISS construction mission.
Canadarm2 enhanced robotic capabilities on the ISS.
Crew conducted spacewalks to install the arm.
International collaboration was key to mission success.
What Happened?
The Space Shuttle Endeavour's STS-100 mission marked a milestone in space exploration, focusing on the delivery and installation of the Canadarm2, a robotic arm that greatly enhanced the capabilities of the International Space Station (ISS). The mission launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, beginning on April 19, 2001, and was notable for being an integral part of the ISS assembly process. With a crew consisting of experienced astronauts, including commander Kent Rominger and mission specialists Julie Payette, the mission was characterized by carefully coordinated operations that exemplified intricate teamwork and technical proficiency in a microgravity environment.
Canadarm2, Canada’s contribution to the ISS, is a 17.6-meter-long robotic arm designed for manipulation tasks in space, such as assembly, maintenance, and operational support. Its launch was a significant step in NASA's broader objective of constructing a habitable human outpost in low Earth orbit. Throughout the mission, the Endeavour crew completed multiple spacewalks to install and activate Canadarm2, while simultaneously conducting scientific experiments relevant to human spaceflight.
The successful deployment of this tool not only improved ISS functions but also exemplified international collaboration in space exploration, as it was developed with the input and expertise from Canadian space engineers and scientists. The significance of Canadarm2 extended beyond its technical capabilities, as it played an essential role in subsequent missions leading to the full assembly of the station. By facilitating the handling of large components in space, Canadarm2 became a critical asset in maintaining the functionality and safety of the ISS.
Why Does it Matter?
The launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour carrying the Canadarm2 was pivotal for the International Space Station’s development. It illustrated the potential of advanced robotics in enhancing human capability in space. This mission not only contributed to the assembly of the ISS but also served as a catalyst for further international cooperation in space missions, setting standards for future joint efforts in space exploration.
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