The first of Canada's advancements in space technology came in the form of the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS), otherwise known as the Canadarm. It allows astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle to lift a payload from the spacecraft's bay and deploy it into position. The Canadarm can also be used to inspect the exterior of the Space Shuttle for possible damage to the thermal shielding.
Designed with the idea of a human arm in mind, it can articulate at six different points. It measures a little over 50 feet (15 meters) in length and has a diameter of 15 inches (38 centimeters). The entire system weighs roughly 994 pounds (450 kilograms). While in space, the Canadarm is capable of dealing with payloads of 29 tons (65,000 pounds). However, while on the ground, it cannot even lift its own weight.
The Canadarm was first deployed by Space Shuttle Columbia in 1981. In total, five different arms have been constructed, however, two were destroyed in the Challenger and Columbia disasters. While the shuttle is still in operation, the SRMS is primarily responsible for deploying pieces of the International Space Station during its final construction stages.
Above left: Canadarm. (Supplied by NASA; Public Domain; http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/1996_s72_Scott_EVA.jpg)