What is Canadarm2's official name?

Canadarm2’s official name is the Space Station Remote Manipulator System. “Canadarm2” is its memorable Canadian nickname, while SSRMS is the technical abbreviation used in engineering and mission documentation.

The robotic arm was developed by Canada’s MDA for the International Space Station, building on the original Canadarm that flew on the Space Shuttle. Unlike the shuttle arm, Canadarm2 can move around the station by attaching its end effectors to power and data fixtures, effectively “walking” along the station’s exterior.

The arm is part of the larger Mobile Servicing System, which also includes the Mobile Base System and the Dextre robotic manipulator. A common mix-up is treating Mobile Servicing System as Canadarm2’s official name; it is the name of the complete robotic package, not the arm alone.

Canadarm2 helps install station hardware, move payloads, support spacewalks and capture visiting cargo spacecraft. Its launch and installation were major milestones in Canada’s contribution to the ISS.