NASA’s Canadarm2 Immobilized After Routine Walk-Off Maneuver

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What changed?

During a routine walk-off maneuver on the International Space Station, astronauts moved the 58‑foot Canadarm2, the station’s large robotic arm supplied by the Canadian Space Agency. The arm, which can traverse the station’s exterior by moving both ends, was followed by its mobile transporter along the main truss. Following the maneuver, both the arm and its transporter could no longer be moved. NASA has not yet identified the cause or provided a timeline for restoring mobility. The immobilization limits the crew’s ability to reposition equipment, conduct repairs, or perform external tasks that rely on the arm’s flexibility.

Why it matters

The Canadarm2 is essential for ISS maintenance and cargo handling; its immobilization hampers routine operations and could delay scheduled tasks.