iss071e384199 (July 17, 2024) --- The Canadarm2 robotic arm's latching end effector, or LEE, is used to grapple fixtures on the International Space Station, as well as capture the approaching Cygnus cargo craft from Northrop Grumman and attach it to the Unity module for cargo transfer operations. 256 miles below the outpost is the Mediterranean coast of Libya and Egypt and the Greek island of Crete.

iss072e576480 (Jan. 31, 2025) --- The 57.7-foot-long Canadarm2 robotic arm with its latching end effector that can grapple spacecraft or maneuver spacewalkers is pictured as the International Space Station orbited into daylight 267 miles above the South Pacific Ocean just south of New Zealand's Auckland Islands.

iss072e595502 (Jan. 30, 2025) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Commander Suni Williams is attached to the Canadarm2 robotic arm's latching end effector while being maneuvered to her worksite 264 miles above the South Pacific Ocean. Williams removed and stowed a radio frequency group antenna assembly during the five-hour and 26-minute spacewalk outside the International Space Station.

iss072e574907 (Jan. 30, 2025) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Commander Suni Williams is attached to the Canadarm2 robotic arm's latching end effector while being maneuvered to her worksite 264 miles above the South Pacific Ocean. Williams removed and stowed a radio frequency group antenna assembly during the five-hour and 26-minute spacewalk outside the International Space Station.

iss072e595496 (Jan. 30, 2025) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Commander Suni Williams is attached to the Canadarm2 robotic arm's latching end effector while being maneuvered to her worksite 264 miles above the South Pacific Ocean. Williams removed and stowed a radio frequency group antenna assembly during the five-hour and 26-minute spacewalk outside the International Space Station.

iss072e595491 (Jan. 30, 2025) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Commander Suni Williams is attached to the Canadarm2 robotic arm's latching end effector while being maneuvered to her worksite 264 miles above the South Pacific Ocean. Williams removed and stowed a radio frequency group antenna assembly during the five-hour and 26-minute spacewalk outside the International Space Station.

iss054e022823 (Jan. 23, 2018) --- NASA astronaut Scott Tingle is pictured during a spacewalk to swap out a degraded robotic hand, or Latching End Effector, on the Canadarm2.

The ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS), pictured at the bottom, and the Latching End Effector (LEE), pictured at the top, are integrated into the unpressurized SpaceX Dragon truck June 2, 2018, at the SpaceX facility on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The payloads will be carried to the International Space Station on SpaceX's 15th Commercial Resupply Services mission. ECOSTRESS will measure the temperature of plants and use that information to better understand how much water plants need and how they respond to stress. The Canadian Space Agency is supplying LEE for the Canadarm2 as a spare to replace a failed unit removed by astronauts during a spacewalk in 2017. Each end of the Canadarm2 robotic arm has an identical LEE, which acts like a "hand" to grapple payloads and visiting cargo spaceships.

View of the Canadarm2 Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) Latching End Effector (LEE) taken against a backdrop of Earth and space during Expedition 35.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare for a latching end effector to be lifted by crane from a work stand. The effector will be installed on an EXPRESS Logistics Carrier for flight. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare for a latching end effector to be lifted from a work stand. The effector will be installed on an EXPRESS Logistics Carrier for flight. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians check the bottom of a latching end effector being lifted by crane from a work stand. The effector will be installed on an EXPRESS Logistics Carrier for flight. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare to secure a latching end effector to the EXPRESS Logistics Carrier on which it is being installed for flight. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician guides a latching end effector as it is lowered by crane toward an EXPRESS Logistics Carrier on which it will be installed for flight. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a latching end effector is lowered by crane toward an EXPRESS Logistics Carrier on which it will be installed for flight. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

iss070e098229 (Feb. 22, 2024) --- At left, the Canadarm2 robotic arm maneuvers the NanoRacks Bishop airlock in the grip of its latching end effector. At top right, a UHF antenna extends from the forward end of the Destiny laboratory module, which is also attached to the Harmony module.

ISS038-E-030425 (13 Jan. 2014) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata, Expedition 38 flight engineer, poses for a photo at a window in the Cupola of the International Space Station while the Canadarm2 robotic arm's Latching End Effector (LEE) appears to be looking through the window from outside the station.

ISS033-E-012329 (16 Oct. 2012) --- NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, Expedition 33 commander, uses a still camera to photograph the Canadarm2 robotic arm?s Latching End Effector (LEE) from a window in the Cupola of the International Space Station.

ISS033-E-012353 (16 Oct. 2012) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Aki Hoshide, Expedition 33 flight engineer, uses a still camera to photograph the Canadarm2 robotic arm?s Latching End Effector (LEE) from a window in the Cupola of the International Space Station.

iss063e098775 (Sept. 30, 2020) --- The tip of the Canadarm2 robotic arm, also called the Latching End Effector which grapples hardware, science experiments and approaching spaceships, is pictured as the International Space Station soared over the South Pacific Ocean and into an orbital sunrise.

ISS033-E-012341 (16 Oct. 2012) --- NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, Expedition 33 commander, uses a still camera to photograph the Canadarm2 robotic arm?s Latching End Effector (LEE) from a window in the Cupola of the International Space Station.

iss056e032401 (June 21, 2018) --- Canada's 57.7-foot-long robotic arm, also known as the Canadarm2, with a latching end effector at its tip (used to grapple approaching spacecraft and portable data grapple fixtures) is pictured in foreground as the International Space Station was orbiting over the Caspian Sea.

iss054e022826 (Jan. 23, 2018) --- NASA astronaut Scott Tingle is pictured during a spacewalk to swap out a degraded robotic hand, or Latching End Effector, on the Canadarm2. NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei also participated in the robotics maintenance spacewalk.

ISS033-E-012340 (16 Oct. 2012) --- NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, Expedition 33 commander, uses a still camera to photograph the Canadarm2 robotic arm?s Latching End Effector (LEE) from a window in the Cupola of the International Space Station.

The Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) arrives at Kennedy Space Center to begin a campaign of prelaunch processing activities. CSA's first contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), the SSRMS is the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the ISS for assembly. The 56-foot-long robotic arm includes two 12-foot booms joined by a hinge. Seven joints on the arm allow highly flexible and precise movement. Latching End Effectors are mounted on each end of the arm for grappling. Video cameras mounted on the booms and end effectors will give astronauts maximum visibility for operations and maintenance tasks on the ISS. The SSRMS is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-100, currently planned for July 2000

Workers uncrate a segment of the Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) in the Space Station Processing Facility at KSC. It joins two other segments for a campaign of prelaunch processing activities. CSA's first contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), the SSRMS is the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the ISS for assembly. The 56-foot-long robotic arm includes two 12-foot booms joined by a hinge. Seven joints on the arm allow highly flexible and precise movement. Latching End Effectors are mounted on each end of the arm for grappling. Video cameras mounted on the booms and end effectors will give astronauts maximum visibility for operations and maintenance tasks on the ISS. The SSRMS is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-100, currently planned for July 2000

Workers guide a segment of the Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) past the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module in the Space Station Processing Facility at KSC. The segment joins two others for a campaign of prelaunch processing activities. CSA's first contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), the SSRMS is the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the ISS for assembly. The 56-foot-long robotic arm includes two 12-foot booms joined by a hinge. Seven joints on the arm allow highly flexible and precise movement. Latching End Effectors are mounted on each end of the arm for grappling. Video cameras mounted on the booms and end effectors will give astronauts maximum visibility for operations and maintenance tasks on the ISS. The SSRMS is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-100, currently planned for July 2000

In the Space Station Processing Facility, two workers perform prelaunch processing activities on the Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). CSA's first contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), the SSRMS is the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the ISS for assembly. The 56-foot-long robotic arm includes two 12-foot booms joined by a hinge. Seven joints on the arm allow highly flexible and precise movement. Latching End Effectors are mounted on each end of the arm for grappling. Video cameras mounted on the booms and end effectors will give astronauts maximum visibility for operations and maintenance tasks on the ISS. The SSRMS is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-100, currently planned for April 2001

Workers in the in the Space Station Processing Facility move two segments of the Canadian Space Agency's Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) to a workstand. CSA's first contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), the SSRMS is the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the ISS for assembly. The 56-foot-long robotic arm includes two 12-foot booms joined by a hinge. Seven joints on the arm allow highly flexible and precise movement.. Latching End Effectors are mounted on each end of the arm for grappling. Video cameras mounted on the booms and end effectors will give astronauts maximum visibility for operations and maintenance tasks on the ISS. The SSRMS is at KSC to begin a campaign of prelaunch processing activities. It is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-100, currently planned for July 2000

The Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) arrives at the Space Station Processing Facility at KSC to begin a campaign of prelaunch processing activities. CSA's first contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), the SSRMS is the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the ISS for assembly. The 56-foot-long robotic arm includes two 12-foot booms joined by a hinge. Seven joints on the arm allow highly flexible and precise movement. Latching End Effectors are mounted on each end of the arm for grappling. Video cameras mounted on the booms and end effectors will give astronauts maximum visibility for operations and maintenance tasks on the ISS. The SSRMS is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-100, currently planned for July 2000

Segments of the Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) are lined up in the Space Station Processing Facility at KSC. They will undergo a campaign of prelaunch processing activities. CSA's first contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), the SSRMS is the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the ISS for assembly. The 56-foot-long robotic arm includes two 12-foot booms joined by a hinge. Seven joints on the arm allow highly flexible and precise movement. Latching End Effectors are mounted on each end of the arm for grappling. Video cameras mounted on the booms and end effectors will give astronauts maximum visibility for operations and maintenance tasks on the ISS. The SSRMS is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-100, currently planned for July 2000

Workers guide a segment of the Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) in the Space Station Processing Facility at KSC. It joins two other segments for a campaign of prelaunch processing activities. CSA's first contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), the SSRMS is the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the ISS for assembly. The 56-foot-long robotic arm includes two 12-foot booms joined by a hinge. Seven joints on the arm allow highly flexible and precise movement. Latching End Effectors are mounted on each end of the arm for grappling. Video cameras mounted on the booms and end effectors will give astronauts maximum visibility for operations and maintenance tasks on the ISS. The SSRMS is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-100, currently planned for July 2000

Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility raise a segment of the Canadian Space Agency's Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) to move it to a workstand. CSA's first contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), the SSRMS is the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the ISS for assembly. The 56-foot-long robotic arm includes two 12-foot booms joined by a hinge. Seven joints on the arm allow highly flexible and precise movement. Latching End Effectors are mounted on each end of the arm for grappling. Video cameras mounted on the booms and end effectors will give astronauts maximum visibility for operations and maintenance tasks on the ISS. The SSRMS is at KSC to begin a campaign of prelaunch processing activities. It is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-100, currently planned for July 2000

In the Space Station Processing Facility, a worker performs prelaunch processing activities on the Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). CSA's first contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), the SSRMS is the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the ISS for assembly. The 56-foot-long robotic arm includes two 12-foot booms joined by a hinge. Seven joints on the arm allow highly flexible and precise movement. Latching End Effectors are mounted on each end of the arm for grappling. Video cameras mounted on the booms and end effectors will give astronauts maximum visibility for operations and maintenance tasks on the ISS. The SSRMS is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-100, currently planned for April 2001

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers perform prelaunch processing activities on the Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). CSA's first contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), the SSRMS is the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the ISS for assembly. The 56-foot-long robotic arm includes two 12-foot booms joined by a hinge. Seven joints on the arm allow highly flexible and precise movement. Latching End Effectors are mounted on each end of the arm for grappling. Video cameras mounted on the booms and end effectors will give astronauts maximum visibility for operations and maintenance tasks on the ISS. The SSRMS is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-100, currently planned for April 2001

The Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) arrives at the Space Station Processing Facility at KSC to begin a campaign of prelaunch processing activities. CSA's first contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), the SSRMS is the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the ISS for assembly. The 56-foot-long robotic arm includes two 12-foot booms joined by a hinge. Seven joints on the arm allow highly flexible and precise movement. Latching End Effectors are mounted on each end of the arm for grappling. Video cameras mounted on the booms and end effectors will give astronauts maximum visibility for operations and maintenance tasks on the ISS. The SSRMS is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-100, currently planned for July 2000

Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility raise two segments of the Canadian Space Agency's Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). CSA's first contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), the SSRMS is the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the ISS for assembly. The 56-foot-long robotic arm includes two 12-foot booms joined by a hinge. Seven joints on the arm allow highly flexible and precise movement. Latching End Effectors are mounted on each end of the arm for grappling. Video cameras mounted on the booms and end effectors will give astronauts maximum visibility for operations and maintenance tasks on the ISS. The SSRMS is at KSC to begin a campaign of prelaunch processing activities. It is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-100, currently planned for July 2000

Workers move a box containing a segment of the Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) into the Space Station Processing Facility at KSC. It joins two other segments for a campaign of prelaunch processing activities CSA's first contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), the SSRMS is the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the ISS for assembly. The 56-foot-long robotic arm includes two 12-foot booms joined by a hinge. Seven joints on the arm allow highly flexible and precise movement. Latching End Effectors are mounted on each end of the arm for grappling. Video cameras mounted on the booms and end effectors will give astronauts maximum visibility for operations and maintenance tasks on the ISS. The SSRMS is scheduled to be launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-100, currently planned for July 2000

ISS034-E-010955 (27 Nov. 2012) --- NASA astronaut Kevin Ford (lower right), Expedition 34 commander; along with Russian cosmonauts Evgeny Tarelkin (left) and Oleg Novitskiy, both flight engineers, are partially silhouetted as they pose for a photo in the Cupola of the International Space Station. The Canadarm2 robotic arm's Latching End Effector (LEE) is visible through a window in the background.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay door is closing. The designated shuttle for the STS-129 mission, Atlantis will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

iss070e097971 (Feb. 21, 2024) --- The NanoRacks Bishop airlock is attached to the Canadarm2 robotic arm's latching end effector. Bishop can be uninstalled from its home on the Tranquility module for portable operations. It can also be used to stow cargo and extract or install payloads. The International Space Station was orbiting 261 miles above Brazil near the Bolivian border at the time of this photograph.

iss072e595426 (Jan. 30, 2025) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Commander Suni Williams is attached to the Canadarm2 robotic arm's latching end effector while being maneuvered to her worksite 264 miles above the South Pacific Ocean. Williams removed and stowed a radio frequency group antenna assembly during the five-hour and 26-minute spacewalk outside the International Space Station.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay doors are being closed. The designated shuttle for the STS-129 mission, Atlantis will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC, to a rotation stand. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay doors are being closed. The designated shuttle for the STS-129 mission, Atlantis will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

iss072e595424 (Jan. 30, 2025) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Commander Suni Williams is attached to the Canadarm2 robotic arm's latching end effector while being maneuvered to her worksite 264 miles above the South Pacific Ocean. Williams removed and stowed a radio frequency group antenna assembly during the five-hour and 26-minute spacewalk outside the International Space Station.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay door is closing. The designated shuttle for the STS-129 mission, Atlantis will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

ISS034-E-010953 (27 Nov. 2012) --- NASA astronaut Kevin Ford (lower right), Expedition 34 commander; along with Russian cosmonauts Evgeny Tarelkin (left) and Oleg Novitskiy, both flight engineers, pose for a photo in the Cupola of the International Space Station. The Canadarm2 robotic arm's Latching End Effector (LEE) is visible through a window in the background.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility 1, technicians prepare to test the orbital docking system on space shuttle Atlantis. The STS-129 mission will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility 1, technicians begin testing the orbital docking system on space shuttle Atlantis. The STS-129 mission will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility 1, technicians begin a functional test on the orbital docking system on space shuttle Atlantis. The STS-129 mission will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC, to a rotation stand. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

iss054e022293 (Jan. 18, 2018) --- Astronaut Joe Acaba (clockwise from bottom) assists spacewalkers Norishige Kanai, from the Japan Aerospace Exploration, and Mark Vande Hei, from NASA, during a fit check of their U.S. spacesuits. Kanai and Vande Hei will conduct a spacewalk Jan. 29 wrapping up work on a Latching End Effector from the Canadarm2.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts the EXPRESS Logistics Carrier tomove it to a stand. The carrier is part of the payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station components including two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs

iss070e097962 (Feb. 21, 2024) --- The NanoRacks Bishop airlock is attached to the Canadarm2 robotic arm's latching end effector. Bishop can be uninstalled from its home on the Tranquility module for portable operations. It can also be used to stow cargo and extract or install payloads. The International Space Station was orbiting 264 miles above the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of southern Brazil at the time of this photograph.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility 1, technicians prepare to test the orbital docking system on space shuttle Atlantis. The STS-129 mission will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane carries the EXPRESS Logistics Carrier toward a stand. The carrier is part of the payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station components including two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lowers the EXPRESS Logistics Carrier onto a stand. The carrier is part of the payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station components including two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility 1, technicians begin a functional test on the orbital docking system on space shuttle Atlantis. The STS-129 mission will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC, to a rotation stand. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker walks past space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay doors as they are being closed. The designated shuttle for the STS-129 mission, Atlantis will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

iss072e574908 (Jan. 30, 2025) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Commander Suni Williams seemingly hangs upside down while attached to the Canadarm2 robotic arm's latching end effector during a five-hour and 26 minute spacewalk to remove and stow a radio frequency group antenna assembly. The orbital outpost was soaring 260 miles above Russia near the Sea of Azov at the time of this photograph.

iss072e574847 (Jan. 30, 2025) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Commander Suni Williams works outside the International Space Station during a five-hour and 26-minute spacewalk to remove and stow a radio frequency group antenna assembly. In the left foreground, is the latching end effector of the Canadarm2 robotic arm. The orbital outpost was soaring 267 miles above New Zealand at the time of this photograph.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload bay doors are being closed on space shuttle Atlantis. The designated shuttle for the STS-129 mission, Atlantis will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility 1, technicians begin a functional test on the orbital docking system on space shuttle Atlantis. The STS-129 mission will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

iss072e574914 (Jan. 30, 2025) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Commander Suni Williams works outside the International Space Station during a five-hour and 26-minute spacewalk to remove and stow a radio frequency group antenna assembly. In the left foreground, is the latching end effector of the Canadarm2 robotic arm. The orbital outpost was soaring 258 miles above the Pacific Ocean near the coast of Mexico at the time of this photograph.

iss073e0490038 (July 22, 2025) --- The International Space Station's 57.7-foot-long robotic arm, also known as the Canadarm2, is partially silhouetted against an orbital sunrise 271 miles above the Indian Ocean south of Australia's island state of Tasmania. Attached to the Canadarm2's latching end effector is Dextre (top right), the fine-tuned robotic hand that performs precise maintenance capabilities on the orbital outpost, including removing and replacing small parts and performing photographic inspections, reducing the need for time-intensive spacewalks.

iss073e0575226 (July 23, 2025) --- The 57.7-foot-long Canadarm2 robotic arm extends from a data grapple fixture on the International Space Station’s Harmony module. Attached to its latching end effector is Dextre, the station’s fine-tuned robotic hand designed for delicate external maintenance tasks. The SpaceX Dragon crew spacecraft, partially obscured, is docked to Harmony’s forward port 259 miles above a cloudy Pacific Ocean southwest of Mexico.

During STS-31, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) grappled by the remote manipulator system (RMS) end effector is held in appendage deploy position above Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103. The solar array (SA) bistem cassette has been released from its latch fittings. The bistem spreader bars begin to unfurl the SA wing. The secondary deployment mechanism (SDM) handle is visible at the SA end. Stowed against either side of the HST System Support Module (SSM) forward shell are the high-gain antennae (HGA). Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are recognizable at the left of the frame.

Viewed from the end, the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is lowered into the payload canister behind the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, already in place. Both elements are part of the payload on mission STS-100 to the International Space Station. Raffaello carries six system racks and two storage racks for the U.S. Lab. The arm has seven motorized joints and is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. Launch of STS-100 is scheduled for April 19, 2001 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A

In the Space Station Processing Facility, the overhead crane rolls along the ceiling with the pallet and Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, toward the payload canister, at right. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. The SSRMS is part of the payload on mission STS-100, scheduled to launch April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians check the position of the control moment gyroscope after being placed on an EXPRESS Logistics Carrier. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12 . Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane lifts the pallet holding the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, to move it to the payload canister. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. The SSRMS is part of the payload on mission STS-100, scheduled to launch April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a strongback crane is being moved to the EXPRESS Logistics Carrier to lift it to a stand. The carrier is part of the payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station components including two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane moves the plasma contactor unit, or PCU, that will be installed on the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC. The PCU is used to disperse electrical charge build-ups on the International Space Station. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians check the nitrogen tank assembly closely as an overhead crane lifts and moves it to the Express Logistics Carrier 1, or ELC-1. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane lifts the pallet holding the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, to move it to the payload canister. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. The SSRMS is part of the payload on mission STS-100, scheduled to launch April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians monitor a control moment gyroscope as it is lifted by crane from a work stand. The gyroscope will be installed on an EXPRESS Logistics Carrier for flight. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

iss050e059576 (03/24/2017) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy (middle) poses with Expedition 50 Commander Shane Kimbrough of NASA (left) and Flight Engineer Thomas Pesquet of ESA (European Space Agency) (right) prior to their spacewalk. The pair conducted a six hour and 34 minute spacewalk on March 24, 2017. The two astronauts successfully disconnected cables and electrical connections on the Pressurized Mating Adapter-3 to prepare for its robotic move, lubricated the latching end effector on the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator “extension” for the Canadarm2 robotic arm, inspected a radiator valve and replaced cameras on the Japanese segment of the outpost.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians attach the overhead crane to the pump module orbital replacement unit. The crane will lift and move the equipment to the Express Logistics Carrier 1, or ELC-1. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility, STS-129 Mission Specialist Robert Satcher becomes familiar with equipment installed on the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC. The crew is at Kennedy for a Crew Equipment Interface Test, which provides hands-on training and observation of shuttle and flight hardware. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians watch closely as the pump module orbital replacement unit is lowered onto the Express Logistics Carrier 1, or ELC-1, for installation. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lowers the plasma contactor unit, or PCU, that will be installed on the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC. The PCU is used to disperse electrical charge build-ups on the International Space Station. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

In the Space Station Processing Facility, the overhead crane carrying the pallet and Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, nears the payload canister at right where the equipment will be placed. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. The SSRMS is part of the payload on mission STS-100, scheduled to launch April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a control moment gyroscope is lifted by crane toward an EXPRESS Logistics Carrier on which it will be installed for flight. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians keep watch as the control moment gyroscope is lowered toward an EXPRESS Logistics Carrier. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12 . Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

The Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, and its pallet rest inside the payload canister in the Space Station Processing Facility. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. The SSRMS is part of the payload on mission STS-100, scheduled to launch April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the STS-129 crew spend time in NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility looking over the payloads installed on the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC. The crew is at Kennedy for a Crew Equipment Interface Test, which provides hands-on training and observation of shuttle and flight hardware. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare to attach the overhead crane to the pump module orbital replacement unit. The crane will lift and move the equipment to the Express Logistics Carrier 1, or ELC-1. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the nitrogen tank assembly is moved toward the Express Logistics Carrier 1, or ELC-1. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician checks the bottom of a battery charge-discharge unit being lifted by crane from a work stand. The unit will be installed on an EXPRESS Logistics Carrier for flight. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a strongback crane is lowered toward the EXPRESS Logistics Carrier to lift it to a stand. The carrier is part of the payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station components including two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians release a battery charge-discharge unit from a crane which carried it to an EXPRESS Logistics Carrier. The unit will be installed on the carrier for flight. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker removes a cover from the EXPRESS Logistics Carrier for the STS-129 mission. The truck and carrier arrived on the C-17 cargo plane in the background. The carrier is part of the payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station components including two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts the plasma contactor unit, or PCU, that will be installed on the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC. The PCU is used to disperse electrical charge build-ups on the International Space Station. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts the plasma contactor unit, or PCU, that will be installed on the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC. The PCU is used to disperse electrical charge build-ups on the International Space Station. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

Centered over the payload canister in the Space Station Processing Facility, the overhead crane begins lowering the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, on its pallet inside. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. The SSRMS is part of the payload on mission STS-100, scheduled to launch April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC

In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves into place over the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, and its pallet. The crane will lift the SSRMS and move it to the payload canister. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. The SSRMS is part of the payload on mission STS-100, scheduled to launch April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians keep watch as the control moment gyroscope is moved toward an EXPRESS Logistics Carrier. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12 . Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the pump module orbital replacement unit will be fitted with a crane to lift it to the Express Logistics Carrier 1, or ELC-1. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann