Astronauts and recent missions
Dr Robert (Bob) Brent Thirsk - Dr. Thirsk is the Canadian Astronaut "connected" to the Tomatosphere Project. With Dr. Michael Dixon (University of Guelph) and Ron Thorpe (Toronto District School Board), the Tomatosphere Project was initiated in 2000.
Read his complete biography here.
In 2009, two Canadian Astronauts are scheduled to visit the International Space Station. Astronaut Julie Payette is scheduled to for a launch on board the Space Shuttle Endeavour on May 15, 2009 (Mission STS-127).
In the same month, Astronaut Robert Thirsk will go to the ISS on Mission 20 (Soyuz flight from Kazakhstan) on the 20th of May, for an extended stay at the International Space Station.
Launched with mission STS-123, [March 11, 2008 – Endeavour] a two-armed robot named Dextre works with astronauts to build and maintain the International Space Station. This versatile robot can transport objects, operate robotic tools, replace equipment, and ride on the end of Canadarm2 or be transported across the Station on the mobile base system. Dextre can remove and replace small components on the Station's exterior that require precise handling. It is equipped with specialized grippers, built-in socket wrenches, four robotic tools, video equipment, lights, umbilical connectors to provide power and data connectivity, and a stowage platform.
Dextre is the third and final element of the Mobile Servicing System - Canada's contribution to the International Space Station.
Launched on August 8, 2007, the top priority of mission STS-118 is to deliver and assemble a truss segment to the ISS. The 11 + 3 day mission is the 22nd shuttle trip to the ISS, and the 20th flight of space shuttle Endeavour. During the mission, Canadian Astronaut Dave Williams, a veteran of shuttle mission STS-90, set a Canadian record by spending over 19 hours outside the space station during three scheduled spacewalks. In addition, Canadian-made robotics and sensor technologies help ensure the success of the mission and the safety of the shuttle and crew.
Mission STS-115 in 2006 (Atlantis) involved veteran Canadian Astronaut, Steve MacLean who assisted with the delivery of new truss segments and solar arrays to the ISS. The installation of the new components was challenging; he choreographed a series of complex robotic manoeuvres using Candarm2 to perform assembly tasks, and also involved a 6.5 hour spacewalk to install the power generating panels. MacLean also conducted a safety inspection of the spacecraft using a unique remote-sensing system – a Canadian-made 15 metre extension of the Space Shuttle's Canadarm.
Tomatosphere is sponsored by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Space Agency, Heinz Canada Ltd, HeinzSeed, Ontario Centres of Excellence, Stokes Seeds and the University of Guelph.
