Canada Awards Contracts for Lunar Rover Development
Marks the Beginning of a Long-Term Project
Establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon is an ambitious endeavor that requires international collaboration. A new generation of rovers with different capabilities will be essential, and partners around the world led by MDA Space are working together to develop complementary technologies for the lunar surface.
"This early concept study will help build the foundation for new lunar logistics solutions to support long-term human presence on the Moon, enabling reliable delivery of cargo, resources, and mobility for future missions."
Mike Greenley, MDA Space
The Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, has announced the award by the Canadian Space Agency of three contracts totaling $14.6 million to advance the development of the new Canadian lunar utility rover. This investment marks the beginning of a long-term project that will draw on the skills and determination of experts across the country.
Canada's utility rover is set to provide critical assistance to astronauts and support operations, including transporting cargo, performing logistics and construction duties on the Moon. Over the next 18 months, Canadensys Aerospace Corporation, MDA Space and Mission Control will conduct preparatory studies to assess different options for the rover, including potential capacities depending on different sizes and scope.
The utility rover builds on decades of past investments in technology development that helped secure Canada's expertise in robotics, including rovers, and position our space sector for future opportunities related to lunar surface mobility. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) aims to develop a utility rover that lives up to both Canada's rich legacy in space and future ambitions for space exploration. These investments bring us closer to having a CSA astronaut live and work on the surface of the Moon.
"Our government is steadfast in its commitment to championing ambitious initiatives that spark innovation and elevate Canada's leadership on the global stage. Through the design and development of this lunar utility rover, Canada will collaborate with international partners to shape the next era of human exploration of the Moon," said The Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. "Ultimately, the advancement of the lunar utility rover has the potential to open doors for Canadian businesses to expand and compete internationally and is expected to create and maintain 200 well-paying jobs over the next decade in an industrial sector that is amongst the most innovative and R&D intensive."
MDA Space has been selected by the CSA as the team leader on the program. The MDA Space-led team will bring together Canadian expertise, powered by the critical contributions of the Centre de Technologies Avancées BRP – Université de Sherbrooke (CTA) and the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS). This initial phase study is a critical first step in defining the LUV mission concept and technology development plan.
"This early concept study will help build the foundation for new lunar logistics solutions to support long-term human presence on the Moon, enabling reliable delivery of cargo, resources, and mobility for future missions," said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space.
The study will focus on mission architecture, technology options and risk assessments, ensuring that the technologies required for future lunar logistics and mobility are mission ready. This phase follows on the heels of a successful autonomous lunar surface demonstration by the MDA Space team at the Canadian Space Agency in December 2024.
As part of this effort, the team will integrate MDA SKYMAKER - a full suite of scalable and modular space robotics derived from Canadarm technology - paving the way for scalable, autonomous mobility solutions on the lunar surface to deliver reliable and adaptable operations in challenging lunar environments.