MDA to Supply Grapple Fixtures for Japan Space Robotic Arm, Experiment Module

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates has received a contract from Japan’s national space agency to provide grapple fixtures that will work to support connections between the Japanese Experiment Module support equipment and the JEM Robotic Manipulator System.

MDA said Tuesday the grapple fixtures are designed to operate with JEMRMS and some of its payloads as the robotic arm supports the JEM space facility that conducts scientific research on the International Space Station.

The company added the grapple fixtures will work to support JEM operations including JAXA’s Small Satellite Orbital Deployer that launches cubesats as part of Japan’s participation in the ISS program through 2024.