Canadarm2

The large robotic arm on the International Space Station has stopped working, and NASA says it cannot move it for the time being. Engineers are working to understand the fault on Canadarm2, which is essential for catching cargo spacecraft, moving astronauts during spacewalks and repositioning modules. The outage raises questions about station operations until the arm is restored.

The Canadarm2, the large robotic arm outside the International Space Station, has reportedly stopped working, according to an Ars Technica report. The arm is essential for capturing cargo spacecraft, moving equipment and supporting spacewalks, so a failure would be a significant operational problem for the station's crews and ongoing maintenance.

Canadarm2, the large robotic arm aboard the International Space Station, has stopped working, according to an Ars Technica report. The arm is essential for capturing cargo spacecraft, moving equipment and supporting spacewalks, so a failure would complicate station operations. Details on the cause and possible repairs remain limited, and observers are awaiting confirmation from NASA and the Canadian Space Agency.

NASA says it is troubleshooting the transporter that moves the International Space Station's robotic arm along the station's truss. Engineers are working to restore the system, which is needed to reposition the Canadarm2 so it can support operations outside the orbiting laboratory. The issue has drawn attention from space watchers monitoring the station's day-to-day maintenance challenges as the outpost ages.