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Dextre, the International Space Station's Robotic Handyman

The most sophisticated space robot ever built, Dextre is a space handyman with a mission: keep the International Space Station (ISS) ship-shape. Dextre’s role is to perform maintenance work and repairs like changing batteries and replacing cameras outside the ISS. Having Dextre on call will reduce the amount of risky spacewalks to do routine chores, thus giving astronauts more time for science, the main goal of the ISS. Dextre’s special skills and awesome location also offer a unique and opportune testing ground for new robotics concepts like servicing satellites in space.

Dextre can ride on the end of Canadarm2 to move from worksite to worksite, or simply hitch a ride on the Mobile Base.

Since his arrival on the ISS, Dextre has been put through his paces by passing a series of test to certify him for duty. Dextre’s will take his "final exam" in July 2010, when the Canadian-built robot will be given a critical task to complete. Follow Dextre’s final steps towards graduation!