The Dextre is a Industrial Arm developed by MDA (Canada), launched 2008. Key specifications: arm class ultra heavy, payload 600 kg, reach 3500 mm, repeatability ±2 mm.
Robo Index
Adequate evidence
5 of 10 signals present
Recomputed nightly from public data. Missing data is skipped, never zero-filled — and rankings are never for sale.
Weighted factors
average of the 5 scored · blanks don't count
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Overview
Dextre, also known as the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM), is a two-armed robot, or telemanipulator, which is part of the Mobile Servicing System on the International Space Station (ISS), and does repairs that would otherwise require astronauts to do spacewalks. It was launched on March 11, 2008, on the mission STS-123. Dextre is designed to handle and complete orbital replacement units, making it capable of carrying spares and conducting complex tasks in orbit.
Flagship features
- Dextre is a 15-axis robotic arm system (two 7-joint arms plus a waist rotation joint) for space-based operations
- It is mounted on the Mobile Servicing System (MSS) on the International Space Station, created by the Canadian Space Agency
- Payload capacity is 600 kg per arm (at the end of the arm), though microgravity reduces the effective mechanical load
- The robot's primary role is external station maintenance, inspection, and experimental satellite refuelling
- It uses a 'force-moment sensor' at the end effector for fine manipulation
- Dextre was launched in 2008 on the Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-123)
Buyer decision signals
Deployments
NASA / Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
Viability
Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) next phase announced
Price
Published figures are build cost or program budget, not a purchase price
Specifications
Category: Industrial Arm- Arm class
- ultra heavy
- Payload
- 600 kg
- Reach
- 3500 mm
- Repeatability
- ±2 mm
- Weight
- 1660 kg
- Industries
- aerospace
Company profile
- Funding raised
- $688.0M
- Founded
- 1969
Detailed specifications
Motion & kinematics1
- Dof Per Arm
- 7
Other10
- Height Mm
- 3700
- Applications
- Maintaining the International Space Station (ISS),Testing new robotic technology,Installing and replacing small equipment like cameras or batteries,Replacing defective components in electrical systems,Testing new tools and robotics techniques
- Sub Category
- space_manipulator
- Datasheet Url
- View Link
- Max Speed M S
- 0.1
- Company Country
- CA
- Deployment Count
- 1
- Deployment Notes
- Launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on March 11, 2008; installed during spacewalk five days later by NASA astronauts Richard Linnehan and Mike Foreman. Maintains ISS by installing/replacing small equipment like cameras and 100-kg batteries, replacing defective electrical components, testing new tools[1][2][3][5].
- Compatible Vision
- true
- Additional Information
- - Dextre is a 15-axis robotic arm system (two 7-joint arms plus a waist rotation joint) for space-based operations. - It is mounted on the Mobile Servicing System (MSS) on the International Space Station, created by the Canadian Space Agency. - Payload capacity is 600 kg per arm (at the end of the arm), though microgravity reduces the effective mechanical load. - The robot's primary role is external station maintenance, inspection, and experimental satellite refuelling. - It uses a 'force-moment sensor' at the end effector for fine manipulation. - Dextre was launched in 2008 on the Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-123). - The robot performed the RRM (Robotic Refueling Mission) experiments for satellite servicing. - It has an enhanced-vision system (Dextre Deployable Vision System) for inspection tasks. - Dextre is controlled from the Robotics Mission Control Centre at the Canadian Space Agency. - Not commercially available for terrestrial buyers; this is a one-of-a-kind government space asset. For the B2B database, it is an industrial arm designed specifically for space operations.
Who runs it· deployment evidence
1 on record · none maker-verified yet. Each links to its source — open it and judge.
- NASA / Canadian Space Agency (CSA)source ↗
Company milestones
- Jan 2013PartnershipRobotic Refueling Mission (RRM) next phase announced
- 2025MilestonePlanned upgrade: Dextre Deployable Vision System
- 2024MilestoneRebrand to MDA Space
- 2008LaunchDextre launched on Space Shuttle Endeavour
- 2008DeploymentDextre moved atop Destiny Laboratory Module on ISS
- 1981LaunchCanadarm debut
- 1969MilestoneFounded in Vancouver
- —MilestoneDon Pettit posts Dextre timelapse video on X
Frequently asked questions
- Who makes the Dextre?
- The Dextre is developed by MDA, based in Canada.
- What type of robot is the Dextre?
- The Dextre is a Industrial Arm made by MDA.
- How much does the Dextre cost?
- Pricing for the Dextre is not publicly listed — contact MDA for a quote.
- When was the Dextre launched?
- The Dextre was launched in 2008.
- What are the key specifications of the Dextre?
- Key specifications of the Dextre: arm class ultra heavy, payload 600 kg, reach 3500 mm, repeatability ±2 mm, weight 1660 kg.
Reviews for Dextre
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