Mobile Base System
The Mobile Base System (MBS) is a base platform for the robotic arm. It was added to the station during STS-111 in June 2002. The platform rests atop the Mobile Transporter (installed during STS-110) which allows it to glide down rails on the station's trusses. When Canadarm2 is attached to the MBS, it has the ability to travel to work sites all along the truss structure. The top speed of the Mobile Transporter is about 2.5 cm per second. Its proper and complete name is the MBS is the "Mobile Remote Servicer Base System. It constructed of aluminium with an expected servkice life of a minimum of 15 years. Like Canadarm2 it was built by MD Robotics.
The MBS is equipped with 4 Power Data Grapple Fixtures, one at each of its four top corners. Either of these can be used as a base for the two robots, Canadarm2 and Dextre, as well as any of the payloads that might be held by the robots. The MBS also has 2 locations to attach payloads. The first is the Payload/Orbital Replacement Unit Accommodations (POA). This is a device that looks and functions much like the Latching End Effectors of Canadarm2. It can be used to park, power and command any payload with a grapple fixture, while keeping Canadarm2 free to do something else. The other attachment location is the MBS Common Attachment System (MCAS). This is another type of attachment system that will primarily be used to host a number of scientific experiments.
The MBS also supports astronauts during Extra-vehicular activity. It has locations to store tools and equipment, foot-restraints, handrails and safety tether attachment points as well as a camera assembly. If needed, it is even possible for an astronaut to "ride" the MBS while it moves along the truss rails.
Read more about this topic: Mobile Servicing System
Famous quotes containing the words mobile, base and/or system:
“From three to six months, most babies have settled down enough to be fun but aren’t mobile enough to be getting into trouble. This is the time to pay some attention to your relationship again. Otherwise, you may spend the entire postpartum year thinking you married the wrong person and overlooking the obvious—that parenthood can create rough spots even in the smoothest marriage.”
—Anne Cassidy (20th century)
“Were I as base as is the lowly plain,
And you, my Love, as high as heaven above,
Yet should the thoughts of me, your humble swain,
Ascend to heaven in honour of my love.”
—Joshua Sylvester (1561–1618)
“Books are for the most part willfully and hastily written, as parts of a system to supply a want real or imagined.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)