Canadarm2 May Get Arthroscopic Surgery

Soft writes: "Atlantis' rainsoaked tiles were barely dry when SpaceflightNow reported that the International Space Station's brand-new arm might have developed a problem in the Shoulder Pitch joint, which could require on-orbit replacement in what they call a "daring spacewalk". The incident could play havoc with the shuttle launch schedule, since the next mission, which was to deliver the station's big US airlock, requires a fully-functional arm there." There's another article about the malfunctioning arm at space.com.

Comments

Adapt and perform

[cisko]

I worry that observers/media will sieze on this as another example of the problems with the space program. In reality, things don't always work. It even looks like it's operating as planned -- it's actually a backup system that's causing problems, the main works fine.

This stuff isn't easy, and if we only want to use technology that has 0% risk, we're going to sit on the ground for a long time. Hey, this is real life. Stuff happens, you change your plans, fix it, and move on.

wanted: Space Mechanics

[Alien54]

I think it is becoming obvious that we are going to need nore and more often the space going equivalent of a construction worker in space. Someone in their late 20s early 30s, who is not a scientist, but whose job it is to help handle the repair jobs and construction work.

I believe that the majority of people who make the flight average then to twenty years older. I hate to say it, but at that point often you are starting to slide physically, even if you are peaking metally. This will take a whole new training approach as well, since you are dealing with someone with a technician/mechanic level of knowledge. Side note: you will be looking for the short guys. The day of the 6'4" astronaut is not here yet, just due to weight considerations.

Which brings up the idea of a new job title: space mechanic.

Check out the Vinny the Vampire comic strip

forgot to register

[redcup]

NASA - Engineers this week discovered the robotic arm on the new space station ceased functioning when they failed to register RoboticArm XP with Microsoft before it was used 15 times. As a result, the robotic arm only boots into a "safe mode." This activates the breaks and the arm does not move. A Micro$oft spokesperson referred to this lack of movement and functionality as evident Micro$soft is providing NASA with the "most secure robotic arm product ever."

After registering RoboticArm XP, engineers eventually had to replace a troublesome joint in the arm as well. The hardware change required NASA engineers to call Micro$oft and convince them RoboticArm XP was not being installed on a new robotic space station arm but in fact, on the same robotic space station arm with a new joint.

Shares of Micro$soft were up an 1/8th on news they actually sold a copy of RoboticArm XP.

RC

Tito!

[deathcow]

You just know it was that Tito guy. Nasa's nightmare come true.. Tito's up there with nothing to do for an entire week, pretty soon he's flinging space garbage towards Florida with The Arm.

Tito looks around.. hums to himself nervously.. floats away quietly.