Lunar Exploration Plans Announced by Canada
The Honorable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, has announced investments of $3 million (Canadian) in technology initiatives for lunar exploration through the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
As we plan for humanity's return to the Moon, there is great potential for Canadian entrepreneurs and scientists to advance lunar science and technology. Canadians will play an important role in the highly competitive and innovative global supply chain of the expanding new space economy.
Minister Champagne highlighted the latest support and opportunities provided under the CSA's Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program, to expand and prepare Canadian entrepreneurs and scientists to take part in lunar exploration, including:
Mission Control Space Services is receiving $3-million to test cutting-edge technology in lunar orbit and on the Moon's surface, with a mission currently planned for 2022.
Two other Canadian companies, Canadensys Aerospace Corporation and NGC Aerospace Ltd. will also demonstrate advanced technologies during a lunar mission.
CSA will be supporting scientists in Canadian universities to advance their understanding of the lunar surface.
In partnership with NASA, a Canadian rover will land on the Moon within the next five years. As a first step, the CSA will select two Canadian companies to develop concepts for the rover and science instrument(s) for this mission.
The Minister highlighted the government's commitment that Canada remains a leading spacefaring nation. In 2019, the government announced Canada would build Canadarm3 for the Lunar Gateway and fund the development and demonstration of lunar science and technologies in fields that include AI, robotics and health. In return for its contribution to the Gateway initiative, Canada secured two future crewed flight opportunities in deep space. This includes a flight to the Moon as part of the historic Artemis II mission.
The Minister also noted that, since early 2020, the government has invested $36.5 million (Canadian) to prepare for future mission opportunities, including
$4.4 million to advance technology for nano- and micro-rovers, as well as autonomous science instruments.
$2.9 million to develop Canadian lunar science instruments.
$3.3 million to test technology in lunar orbit and on the Moon's surface.
$22.8 million to MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) to establish the technical requirements to build Canadarm3.
$3.1 million to support the development of technologies targeting the lunar economy and looking to be included into lunar mission supply chains, by April 2024.
"By investing in Canada's vibrant space sector, we are giving Canadian entrepreneurs, creators, engineers, scientists and researchers the opportunity to advance science and technology, and be part of the growing global space economy," said Minister Champagne. "The results of these efforts will improve life for everyone, in space and on Earth. They will also put Canada at the forefront of space innovation while creating the good jobs of tomorrow."
(Source: Canadian Space Agency news release)