Grey Hautaluoma/Stephanie Schierholz
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-0668/4997
grey.hautaluoma-1@nasa.gov, stephanie.schierholz@nasa.gov

H. Keith Henry
Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va.
757-864-6120/344-7211
h.k.henry@nasa.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY: M08-137

MEDIA INVITED FOR DEMO OF LUNAR SURFACE MANIPULATOR CONCEPT

HAMPTON, Va. -- A NASA concept for lifting and manipulating materials
on the lunar surface will be demonstrated for reporters at NASA's
Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., on Friday, Aug. 1.

NASA's Lunar Surface Manipulation System recently completed a
successful June field test on the lunar-like landscape of Moses Lake,
Wash. The system is a lifting and precision positioning device that
will be used on items ranging from large airlocks and habitats to
delicate scientific payloads. The robotic manipulator incorporates
features that could help astronauts during early lunar outpost
construction and follow-on operations. The principles behind the
device also are directly applicable to future operations on the
Martian surface.

The system reporters will be able to view is full-scale and sized for
unloading a lunar lander. Designed by NASA engineers and controlled
by a remote computer, the manipulator resembles a lightweight crane,
but has more capabilities. It can be operated autonomously, remotely
or manually in a backup mode, and can be configured to perform a
multitude of tasks.

Media interested in attending the presentation and briefing should
phone Keith Henry by noon EDT, July 31, at 757-864-6120 or
757-344-7211. Reporters should arrive at the Langley front gate
parking lot by 9:30 a.m. for escort to the briefing and lab
demonstrations.

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