Canada begins next phase of Canadarm3 development for Lunar Gateway

The Canadian Space Agency has awarded MDA Space a $1 billion contract for the next phases of the Canadarm3 program. This robotic system is integral to NASA’s Gateway, a space station that will circle the Moon to support the Artemis program.

According to the Canadian space agency, the contract covers Phase C (final design) and Phase D (construction, system assembly, integration, and testing) of the full robotics system. This includes a large arm, a smaller dexterous arm, specialized tools, and a ground segment for command and control.

The Lunar Gateway is a key component of NASA’s Artemis program and the U.S. space agency’s efforts to return humans to the Moon and lay the groundwork for future missions to Mars. The first modules of this deep space outpost are expected to launch later this decade and will be located in a gravitationally balanced trajectory between Earth and the Moon called a near-rectilinear halo orbit.

Like its Canadarm2 predecessor at the International Space Station in low Earth orbit, the more advanced Canadarm3 robotics system is expected to enable the assembly, maintenance, and servicing of Gateway, performing tasks that would be challenging for astronauts due to the harsh deep space environment.

MDA Space will oversee the commissioning of the robotics system in orbit from its new mission control center in Brampton, Ontario. This self-described state-of-the-art facility provides the necessary infrastructure to manage and control the complex operations of Canadarm3. The contract also provides for extensive planning and personnel training for on-orbit mission operations, which aims to ensure the team is well-prepared for the challenges of remote operations in space.

“We are entering an exciting period where Canadarm3 will take shape and come to life on our production floor. This critical investment in Canadarm3 reinforces and expands our national and industry leadership as a new era of space opens up,” Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space said in a press release. “This major milestone also reflects our strategy in action as we build our significant backlog and bring to market a new generation of commercial space products and services.”

Over 200 Canadian companies are expected to be engaged in Phases C and D, fostering job creation, skills development, and economic growth within the Canadian space industry according to the Canadian Space Agency. The collaborative nature of the project would highlight the significant contributions of the Canadian industrial base to the global space sector. 

“This contract highlights Canada’s commitment to the next chapter of lunar exploration. Building on the legacy of strategic investments in space robotics, Canadarm3 showcases our commitment to innovation,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Beyond enhancing Canada’s position of developing and retaining top talents and world-renowned innovators, this initiative supports high-quality jobs and opportunities for growth within the country’s expanding space sector.”