Article Images
ESA astronaut goes underwater to test European Robotic Arm


WET testing ERA
 
In an underwater exercise lead by Dutch ESA astronaut André Kuipers, the European Robotic Arm (ERA) Weightless Environmental Test (WET) model was dismantled and then reassembled. Together with Russian Dmitry Verba, Kuipers also checked the manual controls, which serve as a backup to the automated system.

Kuipers wore an Orlan spacesuit
 
In an underwater exercise lead by Dutch ESA astronaut André Kuipers, the European Robotic Arm (ERA) Weightless Environmental Test (WET) model was dismantled and then reassembled. Together with Russian Dmitry Verba, Kuipers also checked the manual controls, which serve as a backup to the automated system.

Heavy going
 
European Robotic Arm
 
European Robotic Arm

Perfection
 
WET testing ERA
 
In an underwater exercise lead by Dutch ESA astronaut André Kuipers, the European Robotic Arm (ERA) Weightless Environmental Test (WET) model was dismantled and then reassembled. Together with Russian Dmitry Verba, Kuipers also checked the manual controls, which serve as a backup to the automated system.



Release date: 24 March 2005