NASA astronauts install tools on the International Space Station's new
robot during spacewalk. 

IN SPACE (MARCH 17, 2008) (NASA) - NASA astronauts on Monday's (March 17) spacewalk outfitted
the International Space Station's new robotic handyman after tests showed it
to be in good working order.
    The Canadian-built robot dubbed "Dextre" and the storage
closet for Japan's space lab were both delivered to the $100 billion (USD)
station by the shuttle Endeavour, which arrived on Wednesday for a 12-day
construction and maintenance mission.
Dextre, which resembles a stick-like humanoid figure with gangly 11-foot
(3.4 metre) arms, can remove and replace station components such as depleted
batteries and other tasks.
    NASA says the robot will save astronauts from much of the routine
maintenance they currently do on arduous and potentially dangerous spacewalks,
enabling them to devote more time to experiments and other scientific
activities.
    The crews on Monday also continued outfitting the Japanese storage
facility, transferring supplies and equipment into it from Endeavour. The
Japanese lab, dubbed "Kibo" or "Hope", is to arrive in May
with a final section to be delivered in 2009.