For Immediate Release

Kathryn Cataldo
Office of Media Services
(205) 544-0034
(205) 544-1183 (Pin number: 0546)

NOTE TO PRODUCERS/ASSIGNMENTS EDITORS: 96-163N

SATELLITE INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE WITH STUDENTS AND NASA MANAGERS TESTING SPACE ROBOT

A robot that will fly into space in early 1998 may lead to a new generation of robotics that will help astronauts on orbit and may even improve life here on Earth.

"Ranger Robot" is now being tested by students from the University of Maryland and NASA in an underwater simulator at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.

Ranger’s development represents new technology that could save NASA time and money by allowing robots to perform a variety of tasks in space including servicing orbiting satellites. This technology could also benefit automated processes for agriculture and lead to a better understanding of joint fatigue experienced in assembly line work here on Earth.

Satellite interviews with NASA and university students participating in the test are available. To find out more about Ranger’s robotics applications you may talk to students, professors or NASA program managers via satellite on September 11 from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m. CDT. Spectacular underwater b-roll of the robot working with man will be made available to stations.

Using its four manipulator arms, Ranger performs tasks that require finger-like dexterity. Remotely controlled, the robot can open doors, change out equipment boxes and inspect spacecraft or satellites using its eight video cameras.

To request an interview, or more information, please contact Kathryn Cataldo at (205) 544-2188. Interviews will be conducted on NASA TV, located on C-band, Spacenet 2, Transponder 5, at 69 degrees west longitude. The transponder frequency is 3880 MHz and the audio subcarrier is 6.8 MHz.