Ontario Firms And Researchers Receive More Than $54 Million For Cutting-Edge Space Robotics

The Canadian government is advancing Canada's future space exploration and supporting more than 175 well-paying jobs for Canadians by investing in domestically developed space technology.

The Honorable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, recently announced investments of $54 million (Canadian) as part of the Government of Canada's long-term commitment to the International Space Station (ISS) and to prepare for the next steps in deep-space exploration.

ISS partners rely on Canadian robots to maintain and operate the Station in space and to resupply astronauts on board. These funds will support the ISS's ongoing robotic operations with Canadarm2 and Dextre.

Building on Canada's world-class leadership in space robotics, this investment will also pave the way for the development of innovative technologies including a next-generation robotic arm and rovers that could be part of future missions on or around the Moon.

These investments will also support 175 well-paying, middle-class jobs, including 9 opportunities for students to gain experience that will help them gain the in-demand skills for the jobs of tomorrow.

"Our government is committed to maintaining our country's leading edge in space robotics. This funding is a direct investment in Canadian firms to research, develop talent and remain globally competitive," said Minister Bains. "Canada is a space-faring nation, and we're committed to supporting this growing industry and the middle-class jobs it creates."

This initiative is part of the Government of Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan.

“Canadian robotics play a key role on the International Space Station and the advances in space robotics associated with this project not only enhances the MSS capabilities, but also provides a long term benefit in ensuring Canadian technology retains its best-in-class status,” said Marc Donato, MDA’s general manager responsible for this business. “The technologies being developed under this contract offer direct spin-offs related to commercial initiatives that MDA has undertaken, such as robotically servicing satellites in space.”

MDA is a business unit of Maxar Technologies.

The awards include:

• Two contract amendments to provide funding for continued support to the robotic operations of the Mobile Servicing System (MSS). The enhancements will streamline operations and reduce operator communication load. The MSS is an essential component of the International Space Station (ISS) and its continued operations enables the Canadian Space Agency to achieve Canada's obligations and goals as a partner on the ISS.
• One contract under the Space Technology Development Program for CA$800,000 to develop technology to enable autonomous control of future space hardware such as robotic arms, rovers, scientific instruments, and satellites.
• One contract for CA$450,000 for a concept study for two rover types: a pressurized rover to transport astronauts on the Moon’s surface and a smaller rover that would first be sent to the Moon to collect lunar samples and test the technologies required for the pressurized rover.

(Image provided with Canadian Space Agency news release. The Honorable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development visiting MDA facilities in Brampton, Ontario, with other members of Parliament as well as Canadensys Aerospace and Western University representatives)

FMI: www.asc-csa.gc.ca