ESA European Robotic Arm (ERA)

Artist's impression of the European Robotic Arm (ERA). An important task for ERA will be to transport astronauts or cosmonauts like a cherry picker crane to the position where they are supposed to perform their work, or from one external location to another. This saves time and effort during spacewalk activities.

Credits: ESA - D.Ducros

European Robotic Arm spare unit, before covering under a thermal cover, attached to Russian Mini Research Module 1. MRM-1 will be launched to ISS aboard shuttle Atlantis on Friday 14 May 2010.

Credits: ESA

ERA will be used to service the Russian segment of the ISS and to transfer small payloads directly to space via MLM’s special airlock, liberating astronauts from time-consuming, fatiguing and potentially hazardous tasks outside the Station.

The Shuttle’s main cargo is Russia’s Mini Research Module 1 (MRM-1), with ERA’s spare mid-section attached. Hopefully, it will never be needed. Atlantis is also carrying the MLM airlock, a portable work platform and an MLM radiator.

ERA’s other spare parts can be delivered later on smaller, unmanned craft, if needed, but this long and bulky composite of two limbs and elbow joint needs the Shuttle’s help.