It may be the most famous space tool yet invented, and after three decades of brilliant service, the original Canadarm — like the shuttle it’s attached to — is retiring.
The Canadian Press has now learned that its retirement home will be the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa.
The half-ton mechanical arm has just one more mission before it becomes an exhibit.
On Monday it’s due to fly to the International Space Station aboard the Endeavour, which will also retire from duty after the mission.
The Canadarm was developed by Spar Aerospace in Toronto, and flexed its robotic muscles in orbit for the first time in November, 1981.
Bearing the word "Canada" in bold red letters for all the world to see the Canadarm managed to transcend the sum of its mere mechanical parts to inspire national Canuck pride.
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