Canada Moves to Repurpose Canadarm3 Funding for Moon Missions
Space Agency Says Same Robotics Investment Could Also Serve Commercial Stations in Low Earth Orbit
The Canadian Space Agency intends to redirect existing Canadarm3 investments to support the next phase of lunar exploration under NASA’s Artemis program, according to an agency news release.
“We are fully committed to working with the Canadian Space Agency to get Canada on the Moon and continue this country’s proud legacy in space.”
Mike Greenley, MDA Space
The agency issued the statement from its headquarters in Longueuil, Quebec. Canadarm3, developed under contract with MDA Space, was originally conceived as Canada’s robotic contribution to Gateway, the lunar outpost NASA is building to support sustained human exploration of the moon. Thursday’s announcement keeps that underlying technology in place while directing the agency’s work with MDA toward lunar surface operations.
The agency’s release did not specify new funding, a signed contract amendment or a timeline for lunar deployment. It described the shift only as an intention to “adapt work underway,” leaving open whether the change reflects new money or a reallocation of investment already committed to the program.
Mélanie Joly, Canada’s minister of industry, tied the move to broader economic goals. “By investing in space today, we are building the companies, talent and capabilities Canada needs to grow our economy, create good jobs and compete in the global economy of tomorrow,” she said.
“We applaud the Canadian Space Agency’s announcement to repurpose Canadarm3 technologies to support complex lunar operations as part of the Artemis program,” said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space in a separate release. “After the landmark success of the Artemis II mission around the Moon, all eyes have turned to the lunar surface, which offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to advance Canada’s leadership as a spacefaring nation and to maintain and leverage our four-decade competitive advantage in space robotics. We are fully committed to working with the Canadian Space Agency to get Canada on the Moon and continue this country’s proud legacy in space. MDA Space is well-positioned to provide surface logistics needed for a sustained human presence on the Moon.”
The Canadian Space Agency said robotics systems developed through the program could support cargo transportation, infrastructure deployment, scientific exploration, site inspections and astronaut assistance on the lunar surface. It added that continued access to low Earth orbit remains essential to sustaining Canada’s industrial base, allowing Canadian companies to apply proven technologies to commercial opportunities tied to emerging space stations.