Not "Luke Skywalker" but a smart "Spacewalker"The astronauts' future assistant has elbows, shoulders, and wrists. The European Robotic Arm (ERA) is the first robot that in the International Space Station and aroundwalk" will. The device is now ready for launch.

TheEuropean Robotic Arm is scheduled alongside the Russian multi-purpose laboratory module Nauka (ISS) to launch. It has the capability to anchor itself to the station and -in- hand between fixed base points move. The 11- meter-long intelligent space robot will serve as the primary manipulator in the Russian segment of the space station, assisting astronauts during spacewalks. The robotic arm can also aid in the installation, deployment, and replacement of components in space.

Images: ESA

ERA is 100 percent manufactured in Europe. A consortium of European companies, led by Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands, designed and assembled it for ESA. The robotic arm is largely financed by the Dutch government.

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www.esa.int