Dextre, the International Space Station's versatile robot - Infograpic

Quick facts on Dextre, the International Space Station's versatile robot. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)

Servicing the ISS since 2008

• Performs maintenance work like changing batteries and replacing cameras
• Reduces the number of risky spacewalks for astronauts
• Works with portable tools that can refuel mock satellites, detect ammonia leaks, and soon, scan the ISS in high definition
• Is operated by controllers on the ground at NASA or the Canadian Space Agency (CSA)

Fun facts

• Works mostly when astronauts are sleeping.
• Most sophisticated space robot ever built.
• Handles gear as small as a toaster or as large as a refrigerator.
• Only robot to have repaired itself in space.
• About 400 km above Earth
• 1,850 kg
• 3.7 m tall