What Is Canadarm2, and What Does It Do?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What is Canadarm2, and what does it do?

The Big Idea

Canadarm2 is a huge robotic arm on the International Space Station, built in Canada! It is about 17.6 meters long, and it has seven joints. Astronauts use it to catch spacecraft and move equipment.

A Giant Arm

Step one: a giant arm. It is about 17.6 meters long, longer than a school bus. It has seven joints, like a very long, very strong arm, and it was built in Canada.

Catch and Move

Step two: catch and move. Astronauts steer the arm to catch visiting spacecraft, and to move heavy equipment. It can also help during spacewalks.

Walk Away

Step three: walk. Canadarm2 can let go with one end and grab on somewhere else, so it can walk end over end across the station. Canada's space robots have been helping in space since 1981.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The arm is very long, and it is built from strong, light tubes. Seven joints let it bend and turn many ways. Special latches on each end let it grab on and walk. An astronaut controls it from inside the station. It is a helping hand in space.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The first Canadarm flew on a space shuttle in 1981. Canadarm2 has been on the station since 2001. A smaller robot named Dextre has two arms to do delicate work. It is built to work in the cold, empty space.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, look at a Canadian five-dollar bill. Find the picture of Canadarm2, its helper Dextre, and an astronaut. How is the arm like your own arm? Where would its joints be?

Outro

Canadarm2 is a helping hand for astronauts, built in Canada. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!