Canadarm2 is a 35-foot crane-like machine aboard the International Space Station. Among other things, it is used to capture satellites and other free-flying objects in space. This is a difficult task that requires training in manual and visual dexterity. However, no practice was available once the astronauts arrived at the station. Through collaboration between Russian and Canadian space researchers, a simulator system has been developed that has the processing power to recreate the functions of the Canadarm2 and its interaction with other objects in space. The System for Maintaining and Monitoring Performance (SMP) On-Orbit Astronaut Training System consists of a small laptop computer which can interface with the station’s hand-controllers. It also uses a new simulation software tool known as SYMOFROS which was developed by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The system was launched on-board the Soyuz Progress Transport on February 2, 2003.
http://www.spacedaily.com/news/iss-03o.html
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