Editing International Space Station (section)

===Unpressurised elements===
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| total_width       = 400
| image1            = Truss breakdown.png
| caption1          = ISS Truss Components breakdown showing Trusses and all ORUs in situ
| image2            = STS-116 spacewalk 1.jpg
| caption2          = Construction of the [[Integrated Truss Structure]] over New Zealand
}}

The ISS has a large number of external components that do not require pressurisation. The largest of these is the [[Integrated Truss Structure]] (ITS), to which the station's main [[Photovoltaic system|solar arrays]] and [[External Active Thermal Control System|thermal radiators]] are mounted.<ref name="Arrays">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/behindscenes/truss_segment.html|title=Spread Your Wings, It's Time to Fly|date=26 July 2006|publisher=[[NASA]]|access-date=21 September 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111135544/http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/behindscenes/truss_segment.html|archive-date=11 January 2023}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> The ITS consists of ten separate segments forming a structure {{convert|108.5|m}} long.<ref name="OnOrbit" />

The station was intended to have several smaller external components, such as six robotic arms, three [[External Stowage Platform]]s (ESPs) and four [[ExPRESS Logistics Carrier]]s (ELCs).<ref name="Manifest">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/iss_manifest.html|title=Consolidated Launch Manifest|year=2008|publisher=[[NASA]]|access-date=8 July 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307191348/http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/iss_manifest.html|archive-date=7 March 2009}} {{PD-notice}}</ref><ref name="nasa-factsheet-expressracks">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/news/background/facts/expressrack.html|title=EXPRESS Racks 1 and 2 fact sheet|date=1 February 2001|id=FS-2001-02-34-MSFC|access-date=4 October 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829173441/http://www.nasa.gov:80/centers/marshall/news/background/facts/expressrack.html|archive-date=29 August 2008}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> While these platforms allow experiments (including [[Materials International Space Station Experiment|MISSE]], the STP-H3 and the [[Robotic Refueling Mission]]) to be deployed and conducted in the vacuum of space by providing electricity and processing experimental data locally, their primary function is to store spare [[Orbital replacement unit|Orbital Replacement Unit]]s (ORUs). ORUs are parts that can be replaced when they fail or pass their design life, including pumps, storage tanks, antennas, and battery units. Such units are replaced either by astronauts during EVA or by robotic arms.<ref name="nsf-20111223">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/12/soyuz-tma-03m-docks-iss-returns-station-six-crewmembers-future-ops/|title=Soyuz TMA-03M docks to ISS, returns station to six crewmembers for future ops|date=23 December 2011|access-date=1 May 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811170248/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/12/soyuz-tma-03m-docks-iss-returns-station-six-crewmembers-future-ops/|archive-date=11 August 2023|work=[[NASASpaceFlight.com]]}}</ref> Several shuttle missions were dedicated to the delivery of ORUs, including [[STS-129]],<ref name="EVA129">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/404493main_EVA_129_F_E1.pdf|title=EVA Checklist: STS-129 Flight Supplement|last=Welsch|first=L. D.|date=30 October 2009|publisher=[[NASA]]|access-date=9 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129141620/http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/404493main_EVA_129_F_E1.pdf|archive-date=29 November 2011}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> STS-133<ref name="sts-133-press-kit">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/491387main-sts-133-press-kit.pdf|title=Space Shuttle Mission: STS-133 Press Kit|date=February 2011|publisher=[[NASA]]|access-date=9 July 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012174024/https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/491387main-sts-133-press-kit.pdf|archive-date=12 October 2023}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> and STS-134.<ref name="sts-134-press-kit">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/538352main_sts134_presskit_508.pdf|title=Space Shuttle Mission: STS-134|date=April 2011|publisher=[[NASA]]|access-date=9 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226120713/https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/538352main_sts134_presskit_508.pdf|archive-date=26 December 2018}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> {{as of|2011|01}}, only one other mode of transportation of ORUs had been used{{snd}}the Japanese cargo vessel [[H-II Transfer Vehicle|HTV-2]]{{snd}}which delivered an FHRC and CTC-2 via its Exposed Pallet (EP).<ref name="HTV2">{{Cite web|url=https://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/mission/htv-2/library/presskit/htv2_presskit_en.pdf|title=HTV2: Mission Press Kit|date=20 January 2011|publisher=[[Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811163142/https://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/mission/htv-2/library/presskit/htv2_presskit_en.pdf|archive-date=11 August 2023}}</ref>{{update after|2013|1 |28}}

There are also smaller exposure facilities mounted directly to laboratory modules; the ''Kibō'' [[Kibo (ISS module)|Exposed Facility]] serves as an external "[[porch]]" for the ''Kibō'' complex,<ref>{{cite web|date=29 August 2008|title=Exposed Facility:About Kibo|url=http://kibo.jaxa.jp/en/about/kibo/jef/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803102352/http://kibo.jaxa.jp/en/about/kibo/jef/|archive-date=3 August 2009|access-date=9 October 2009|publisher=JAXA}}</ref> and a facility on the European ''Columbus'' laboratory provides power and data connections for experiments such as the [[European Technology Exposure Facility]]<ref name="NASA">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/science/experiments/EuTEF.html|title=NASA–European Technology Exposure Facility (EuTEF)|date=6 October 2008|publisher=[[NASA]]|access-date=28 February 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081019013911/http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/science/experiments/EuTEF.html|archive-date=19 October 2008}} {{PD-notice}}</ref><ref name="ESA">{{Cite web|url=https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Columbus/European_Technology_Exposure_Facility_EuTEF|title=European Technology Exposure Facility (EuTEF)|date=13 January 2009|publisher=[[European Space Agency]]|access-date=28 February 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812214202/https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Columbus/European_Technology_Exposure_Facility_EuTEF|archive-date=12 August 2023}}</ref> and the [[Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES)|url=http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/HSF_Research/SEMJSK0YDUF_0.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090609110757/http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/HSF_Research/SEMJSK0YDUF_0.html|archive-date=9 June 2009|access-date=9 October 2009|publisher=ESA}}</ref> A [[remote sensing]] instrument, [[SAGE III on ISS|SAGE III-ISS]], was delivered to the station in February 2017 aboard [[SpaceX CRS-10|CRS-10]],<ref name="nsf20170310">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/03/spacex-dragon-experiments-busy-science-period/|title=SpaceX science – Dragon delivers experiments for busy science period|last=Gebhardt|first=Chris|date=10 March 2017|access-date=11 January 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810132955/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/03/spacex-dragon-experiments-busy-science-period/|archive-date=10 August 2023|work=[[NASASpaceFlight.com]]}}</ref> and the [[Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer|NICER]] experiment was delivered aboard [[SpaceX CRS-11|CRS-11]] in June 2017.<ref name="nsf20170603">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/06/spacex-falcon-9-crs-11-dragon-iss-100th-39a/|title=Falcon 9 launches with CRS-11 Dragon on 100th 39A launch|last=Graham|first=William|date=3 June 2017|access-date=11 January 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810145605/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/06/spacex-falcon-9-crs-11-dragon-iss-100th-39a/|archive-date=10 August 2023|work=[[NASASpaceFlight.com]]}}</ref> The largest scientific payload externally mounted to the ISS is the [[Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer]] (AMS), a particle physics experiment launched on STS-134 in May 2011, and mounted externally on the ITS. The AMS measures cosmic rays to look for evidence of dark matter and antimatter.<ref name="ams-cern">{{Cite web|url=http://ams.cern.ch/|title=The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer Experiment|date=21 January 2009|publisher=[[CERN]]|access-date=6 March 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811162236/https://ams.cern.ch/|archive-date=11 August 2023}}</ref><ref name="nsf20130404">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/04/endeavours-legacy-ams-02-proving-value/|title=Endeavour's ongoing legacy: AMS-02 proving its value|last=Bergin|first=Chris|date=4 April 2013|access-date=11 January 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810130623/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/04/endeavours-legacy-ams-02-proving-value/|archive-date=10 August 2023|work=[[NASASpaceFlight.com]]}}</ref>

The commercial ''[[Columbus – External Payload Facility#Bartolomeo|Bartolomeo]]'' External Payload Hosting Platform, manufactured by Airbus, was launched on 6 March 2020 aboard [[SpaceX CRS-20|CRS-20]] and attached to the European ''Columbus'' module. It will provide an additional 12 external payload slots, supplementing the eight on the [[ExPRESS Logistics Carrier]]s, ten on ''Kibō'', and four on ''Columbus''. The system is designed to be robotically serviced and will require no astronaut intervention. It is named after Christopher Columbus's younger brother.<ref name="spacedaily-20180209">{{Cite news|url=https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/ESA_and_Airbus_sign_partnership_agreement_for_new_ISS_commercial_payload_platform_Bartolomeo_999.html|title=ESA and Airbus sign partnership agreement for new ISS commercial payload platform Bartolomeo|date=9 February 2018|access-date=10 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811172013/https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/ESA_and_Airbus_sign_partnership_agreement_for_new_ISS_commercial_payload_platform_Bartolomeo_999.html|archive-date=11 August 2023|work=SpaceDaily}}</ref><ref name="aerospacetech-20180208">{{Cite news|url=https://www.aerospace-technology.com/news/airbus-esa-partner-bartolomeo-platform/|title=Airbus and ESA to partner on Bartolomeo platform|date=8 February 2018|access-date=10 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810145538/https://www.aerospace-technology.com/news/airbus-esa-partner-bartolomeo-platform/|archive-date=10 August 2023|work=Aerospace Technology}}</ref><ref name="eoportal-iss-bartolomeo">{{Cite web|url=https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/iss-bartolomeo|title=ISS: Bartolomeo|date=26 October 2016|publisher=[[European Space Agency]]|access-date=10 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812204548/https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/iss-bartolomeo|archive-date=12 August 2023|website=eoPortal}}</ref>

====MLM outfittings====
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| total_width       = 400
| image1            = MRM1 Rassvet.png
| caption1          = MLM outfittings on Rassvet
| image2            = ISS-65 Nauka and Soyuz MS-18 docked to the International Space Station (1).jpg
| caption2          = A wide-angle view of the new module (behind ''Rassvet'') attached to the [[Russian Orbital Segment|ROS]] as seen from the cupola}}
In May 2010, equipment for ''Nauka'' was launched on STS-132 (as part of an agreement with NASA) and delivered by Space Shuttle ''Atlantis''. Weighing 1.4 metric tons, the equipment was attached to the outside of ''Rassvet'' (MRM-1). It included a spare elbow joint for the [[European Robotic Arm]] (ERA) (which was launched with ''Nauka'') and an ERA-portable workpost used during EVAs, as well as RTOd add-on heat radiator and internal hardware alongside the pressurized experiment airlock.<ref name="Roscosmos1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.roscosmos.ru/31395/|title=Многоцелевой лабораторный модуль "Наука"|trans-title=Multipurpose Laboratory Module 'Nauka'|publisher=[[Roscosmos]]|language=ru|access-date=14 July 2021|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714161136/https://www.roscosmos.ru/31395/|archive-date=14 July 2021}}</ref>

The RTOd radiator adds additional cooling capability to ''Nauka'', which enables the module to host more scientific experiments.<ref name="Roscosmos1"/>

The ERA was used to remove the RTOd radiator from ''Rassvet'' and transferred over to ''Nauka'' during VKD-56 spacewalk. Later it was activated and fully deployed on VKD-58 spacewalk.<ref name="garcia-20230512">{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2023/05/12/cosmonauts-deploy-radiator-and-complete-spacewalk/|title=Cosmonauts Deploy Radiator and Complete Spacewalk|last=Garcia|first=Mark|date=12 May 2023|publisher=[[NASA]]|access-date=12 May 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731062433/https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2023/05/12/cosmonauts-deploy-radiator-and-complete-spacewalk/|archive-date=31 July 2023|website=NASA Blogs}}</ref> This process took several months. A portable work platform was also transferred over in August 2023 during VKD-60 spacewalk, which can attach to the end of the ERA to allow cosmonauts to "ride" on the end of the arm during spacewalks.<ref name="esa-arm-brochure">{{Cite web|url=https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/science/ERA_brochure_EN.pdf|title=European Robotic Arm Brochure|publisher=[[European Space Agency]]|page=9|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810130647/https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/science/ERA_brochure_EN.pdf|archive-date=10 August 2023}}</ref><ref name="sfn-20230809">{{Cite news|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2023/08/09/live-coverage-russian-cosmonauts-make-spacewalk-at-international-space-station/|title=Russian cosmonauts make spacewalk at International Space Station|last=Harwood|first=William|date=9 August 2023|access-date=10 August 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812094606/https://spaceflightnow.com/2023/08/09/live-coverage-russian-cosmonauts-make-spacewalk-at-international-space-station/|archive-date=12 August 2023|work=Spaceflight Now}}</ref> However, even after several months of outfitting EVAs and RTOd heat radiator installation, six months later, the RTOd radiator malfunctioned before active use of Nauka (the purpose of RTOd installation is to radiate heat from Nauka experiments). The malfunction, a leak, rendered the RTOd radiator unusable for Nauka. This is the third ISS radiator leak after [[Soyuz MS-22]] and [[Progress MS-21]] radiator leaks. If a spare RTOd is not available, Nauka experiments will have to rely on Nauka's main launch radiator and the module could never be used to its full capacity.<ref name="sfn-20231009">{{Cite news|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2023/10/09/leak-detected-onboard-russian-segment-of-international-space-station/|title=Russian space station laboratory module appears to spring coolant leak – Spaceflight Now|date=9 October 2023|access-date=10 October 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014232548/https://spaceflightnow.com/2023/10/09/leak-detected-onboard-russian-segment-of-international-space-station/|archive-date=14 October 2023|work=Spaceflight Now}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Госкорпорация "Роскосмос"|url=https://t.me/roscosmos_gk/11130|access-date=10 October 2023|website=Telegram|language=ru|archive-date=11 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111001124/https://t.me/roscosmos_gk/11130|url-status=live}}</ref>

Another MLM outfitting is a 4 segment external payload interface called means of attachment of large payloads (Sredstva Krepleniya Krupnogabaritnykh Obyektov, SKKO).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sredstva Krepleniya Krupnogabaritnykh Obyektov, SKKO|url=https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=pm;f=inbox;l=-1;done=sent|url-access=subscription|language=ru|access-date=4 April 2022|archive-date=6 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706041946/https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=pm;f=inbox;l=-1;done=sent|url-status=live}}</ref> Delivered in two parts to Nauka by [[Progress MS-18]] (LCCS part) and [[Progress MS-21]] (SCCCS part) as part of the module activation outfitting process.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Russian Nauka/Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM) General Thread|url=https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=23444.msg2419522#msg2419522|access-date=15 October 2022|website=forum.nasaspaceflight.com|archive-date=15 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015041008/https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=23444.msg2419522#msg2419522|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Schedule of ISS flight events (part 2)|url=https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32006.msg2391098#msg2391098|access-date=31 July 2022|website=forum.nasaspaceflight.com|archive-date=31 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731072946/https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32006.msg2391098#msg2391098|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Russian Nauka/Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM) General Thread|url=https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=23444.msg2334840#msg2334840|access-date=25 March 2022|website=forum.nasaspaceflight.com|archive-date=4 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404014507/https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=23444.msg2334840#msg2334840|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="russianspaceweb-fgb2-mlm">{{Cite web|url=https://www.russianspaceweb.com/iss-fgb2-mlm-integration.html|title=Russia to bump its ISS crew back to three|last=Zak|first=Anatoly|access-date=25 March 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811164158/https://www.russianspaceweb.com/iss-fgb2-mlm-integration.html|archive-date=11 August 2023|website=RussianSpaceWeb}}</ref> It was taken outside and installed on the ERA aft facing base point on Nauka during the VKD-55 spacewalk.<ref name="garcia-20221116">{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2022/11/16/cosmonauts-prep-for-thursday-spacewalk-dragon-targets-monday-launch/|title=Cosmonauts Prep for Thursday Spacewalk, Dragon Targets Monday Launch|last=Garcia|first=Mark|date=16 November 2022|publisher=[[NASA]]|access-date=16 November 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810132145/https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2022/11/16/cosmonauts-prep-for-thursday-spacewalk-dragon-targets-monday-launch/|archive-date=10 August 2023|website=NASA Blogs}}</ref><ref name="lavelle-20221117">{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2022/11/17/cosmonauts-begin-first-in-a-series-of-spacewalks-for-station-maintenance/|title=Cosmonauts Begin First in a Series of Spacewalks for Station Maintenance|last=Lavelle|first=Heidi|date=17 November 2022|publisher=[[NASA]]|access-date=17 November 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810130808/https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2022/11/17/cosmonauts-begin-first-in-a-series-of-spacewalks-for-station-maintenance/|archive-date=10 August 2023|website=NASA Blogs}}</ref><ref name="garcia-20221117">{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2022/11/17/cosmonauts-finish-spacewalk-for-work-on-science-module/|title=Cosmonauts Finish Spacewalk for Work on Science Module|last=Garcia|first=Mark|date=17 November 2022|publisher=[[NASA]]|access-date=17 November 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329110535/https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2022/11/17/cosmonauts-finish-spacewalk-for-work-on-science-module/|archive-date=29 March 2023|website=NASA Blogs}}</ref><ref name="spacecom-20221117">{{Cite news|url=https://www.space.com/iss-spacewalk-russian-radiator-move-prep|title=Russian cosmonauts complete station spacewalk to ready radiator for move|last=Pearlman|first=Robert Z.|date=17 November 2022|access-date=23 November 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124215252/https://www.space.com/iss-spacewalk-russian-radiator-move-prep|archive-date=24 November 2023|work=[[Space.com]]}}</ref>

====Robotic arms and cargo cranes====
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| total_width       = 400
| image1            = Iss017e011097.jpg
| caption1          = Commander [[Sergey Volkov (cosmonaut)|Volkov]] stands on ''Pirs'' with his back to the [[Soyuz spacecraft|Soyuz]] whilst operating the manual<br />[[Strela (crane)|Strela crane]] (which is holding photographer [[Oleg Kononenko]]).
| image2            = Dextrereallyhasnohead.jpg
| caption2          = [[Dextre]], like many of the station's experiments and robotic arms, can be operated from Earth, allowing tasks to be performed while the crew sleeps.
}}

The Integrated Truss Structure (ITS) serves as a base for the station's primary remote manipulator system, the [[Mobile Servicing System]] (MSS), which is composed of three main components:
* [[Canadarm2]], the largest robotic arm on the ISS, has a mass of {{convert|1800|kg|lb}} and is used to: dock and manipulate spacecraft and modules on the USOS; hold crew members and equipment in place during EVAs; and move Dextre to perform tasks.<ref>{{cite web|date=8 January 2013|title=Canadarm2 and the Mobile Servicing System|url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/mss.html|access-date=22 June 2015|publisher=NASA|archive-date=23 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323030711/http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/mss.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Dextre]] is a {{convert|1560|kg|lb|abbr=on}} robotic manipulator that has two arms and a rotating torso, with power tools, lights, and video for replacing [[orbital replacement unit]]s (ORUs) and performing other tasks requiring fine control.<ref name="csa-dextre">{{Cite web|url=https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/iss/dextre/|title=Dextre, the International Space Station's Robotic Handyman|date=18 April 2011|publisher=[[Canadian Space Agency]]|access-date=22 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405001741/https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/iss/dextre/|archive-date=5 April 2023}}</ref>
* The [[Mobile Base System]] (MBS) is a platform that rides on rails along the length of the station's main truss, which serves as a mobile base for Canadarm2 and Dextre, allowing the robotic arms to reach all parts of the USOS.<ref name="csa-mbs">{{Cite web|url=https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/iss/mobile-base/|title=Mobile Base System|publisher=[[Canadian Space Agency]]|access-date=22 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327123655/http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/iss/mobile-base/|archive-date=27 March 2023}}</ref>

A [[Grapple Fixture|grapple fixture]] was added to ''Zarya'' on STS-134 to enable Canadarm2 to inchworm itself onto the ROS.<ref name="sts-134-press-kit" /> Also installed during STS-134 was the {{convert|50|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} [[Orbiter Boom Sensor System]] (OBSS), which had been used to inspect heat shield tiles on Space Shuttle missions and which can be used on the station to increase the reach of the MSS.<ref name="sts-134-press-kit" /> Staff on Earth or the ISS can operate the MSS components using remote control, performing work outside the station without the need for space walks.

Japan's [[Japanese Remote Manipulator System|Remote Manipulator System]], which services the ''Kibō'' Exposed Facility,<ref>{{cite web|date=29 August 2008|title=Remote Manipulator System: About Kibo|url=http://kibo.jaxa.jp/en/about/kibo/rms/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320035809/http://kibo.jaxa.jp/en/about/kibo/rms/|archive-date=20 March 2008|access-date=4 October 2009|publisher=JAXA}}</ref> was launched on [[STS-124]] and is attached to the ''Kibō'' Pressurised Module.<ref>{{cite web|date=14 January 2002|title=International Space Station Status Report #02-03|url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/news/station/2002/iss02-03.txt|access-date=4 October 2009|publisher=NASA|archive-date=11 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100311105930/http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/news/station/2002/iss02-03.txt|url-status=dead}}</ref> The arm is similar to the Space Shuttle arm as it is permanently attached at one end and has a latching end effector for standard grapple fixtures at the other.

The [[European Robotic Arm]], which will service the ROS, was launched alongside the [[Nauka (ISS module)|''Nauka'']] module.<ref name="tass-20200402">{{Cite news|url=https://tass.com/science/1139385|title=Russia postpones launch of Nauka research module to orbital outpost to 2021|date=2 April 2020|agency=[[TASS]]|access-date=1 March 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810143935/https://tass.com/science/1139385|archive-date=10 August 2023}}</ref> The ROS does not require spacecraft or modules to be manipulated, as all spacecraft and modules dock automatically and may be discarded the same way. Crew use the two ''[[Strela (crane)|Strela]]'' ({{langx|ru|Стрела́||Arrow}}) cargo cranes during EVAs for moving crew and equipment around the ROS. Each Strela crane has a mass of {{cvt|45|kg}}.