Sean Dowling spent three years as the leading technical engineer in the hand re-design of the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, simply known as Dextre.
Dextre is the third and final component of the Mobile Servicing System developed by Canada for the International Space Station. It complements the mobile base and the robotic arm Canadarm2 already installed and operating on the station.
In recognition of his work, the Hwy. 404 and Sheppard Avenue resident, who was one of six Canadian Space Station Program recipients to receive the award, got to watch the nighttime launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour March 11 from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.
"It was unbelievable," Dowling said of viewing the launch, adding he also took part in a VIP tour of the Kennedy Space Center. "It was my first launch."
The award is one of the highest and most prestigious NASA awards that recognizes the outstanding performance and contributions of individuals responsible for flight safety and mission success. These individuals have contributed significantly to the achievements of the goals of the shuttle, station and/or return to flight programs.
The launch also had special meaning to Dowling, as he got to watch his work lift off to the space station.
"It was unscheduled re-work," Dowling said of Dextre's hand. "We had to make the hand compatible with the components on the station. Dextre is intended to replace an astronaut."
Dowling, who works for MacDonald, Dettweiler and Associates (MDA Space Missions) in Brampton, said he's now focusing his work on orbit support.
And there doesn't seem to be a shortage of work for Dowling, who holds a bachelor of mechanical engineering from the University of New Brunswick and a masters of engineering (aerospace) from the University of Toronto.
"NASA wants to provide components to missions to the moon, Mars and beyond, so hopefully I'll be working on the next generation of the space station," he said.