Ontario-based MDA Space will build Canadarm3 robotic space system for the Gateway lunar space station.
The company secured a $1 billion contract from the Canadian Space Agency for Phase C and Phase D of the program, which covers the robotic system’s final design, construction, assembly, integration and testing.
MDA Space will also support the technology’s commissioning of the Canadarm3 robotics system from its mission control facility and Space Robotics Centre of Excellence in the Canadian city of Brampton.
Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space, said Canada’s role in the Artemis program boosts its leadership in the new era of space exploration. “We are entering an exciting period where Canadarm3 will take shape and come to life on our production floor,” he said.
“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.”
“Canada’s participation in the Artemis program reinforces and expands our national and industry leadership as a new era of space opens up.”
Canadarm3 will comprise an 8.5-meter-long arm, a smaller but more dexterous arm and an on-orbit replaceable unit caddy. The system will be installed on the exterior of Gateway and will perform space station repair and maintenance whenever needed.
Like Canadarm2 on the International Space Station, the robotic system will also be capable of assisting astronauts during spacewalks and catching the spacecraft that will dock with Gateway.
Canadarm3 is expected to launch no earlier than 2029.