MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX: MDA) has announced the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has increased its funding to expand the scope of the existing contract with MDA to provide support for the Mobile Servicing System, including building a spare Latching End Effector for the Canadarm2.

The Servicing System is an essential component of the International Space Station (ISS). The contract amendment is valued at $15.7 million (CAD). Launched in 2001, the Canadarm2 continues to play a vital role in the assembly and maintenance of the ISS. Canadarm2’s large mass handling capability allows it to: move and install station modules, support astronauts during spacewalks, and service instruments and other payloads attached to the space station. The Latching End Effector is the Canadarm2’s ‘hand’, used to grasp and maintain a firm grip on payloads. In the fall of 2009, the Canadarm2 will play a key role in docking Japan's unmanned H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) with the ISS. In addition, it will be crucial in manipulating future COTS Vehicles, American cargo movers, with the station.