Canada moves forward with plans to explore the Moon

PHOTO: ARTEMIS consists of a pair of Earth science missions that were sent on a new mission to study the Earth-Moon Lagrange points for the first time/NASA

LONGUEUIL, Que. — The Government of Canada announced investments of $3 million in technology initiatives for lunar exploration through the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

“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 François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, in a prepared statement. “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.”

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 also noted that, since early 2020, the government has invested $36.5 million 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.