![]() Some of them still work in the field of space technology to this day. As such, the robot arm produced two generations of highly trained engineers with specialised knowledge. Hundreds of people in a wide range of positions worked on the project. What has working on the ERA project done for the Netherlands? Lastly, the NLR was responsible for the ground segment, the tools used for training and mission preparation.”ĮRA in test setup at Airbus in Leiden | Source: Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands TNO developed test equipment for the zero-G test facility. Stork provided the electronics and the drive for the arm's joints and for the end-effector. We also handled the analyses, simulations and the project management. We took care of the entire design and the assembly process. “The main contractor is Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands, formerly known as Fokker Space. What Dutch parties contributed to the robot arm's development? That was not always easy, but I am very glad we did it anyway.” The Netherlands has had to be extremely flexible and take its responsibility time and time again. That project was delayed multiple times, which meant we could not move ahead with ERA's development. The robot arm will become part of Nauka, a Russian laboratory. Nevertheless, we have been exceptionally unlucky with the ERA project. “Delays occur all the time in the space sector. Is it common for a space project to take that long? I started out working on the design as an engineer and became the project leader in 2016.” I have been involved in this project since the mid-nineties. “The robot arm runs like a central thread through my career. What was - and is - your involvement in the ERA programme? This piece of Dutch technology will play a very important and highly visible role in manned space flight.” The Russian section of the station has had to make do without a robot arm until now, but this launch will change that. It can move hardware around, conduct inspections and help astronauts during their space walks. The American section of the International Space Station utilises the Canadian robot arm. The International Space Station | Source: NASA Sytze Kampen, head of technology at Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands, reflects on the process and looks toward the future: “Above all, I feel very proud.”Ī Dutch robot arm on board the International Space Station. This marks an important milestone for the Dutch space sector, since ERA was designed and built almost entirely by Dutch businesses. The letters represent compass directions - N is north, WNW is west by northwest, and so on.ĭisappears represents where in the night sky the International Space Station will leave your field of view.The European Robot Arm (ERA) will be launched to the International Space Station ISS this summer. This value, like maximum height, also is measured in degrees from the horizon. If you hold your fist at arm's length and place your fist resting on the horizon, the top will be about 10 degrees.Īppears is the location in the sky where the station will be visible first. The horizon is at zero degrees, and directly overhead is ninety degrees. It represents the height of the space station from the horizon in the night sky. Max Height is measured in degrees (also known as elevation). Visible is the maximum time period the space station is visible before crossing back below the horizon. This is the optimum viewing period as the sun reflects off the space station and contrasts against the darker sky. ![]() All sightings will occur within a few hours before or after sunrise or sunset. Time is when the sighting opportunity will begin in your local time zone. What does all this sighting information mean?
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