MDA Space, a Canadian aerospace firm, has clinched a substantial $1 billion Canadian ($730 million) contract from the Canadian Space Agency for advancing the Canadarm3 robotic arm system destined for the lunar Gateway project.
The contract, announced on June 27, encompasses Phase C for final system design and Phase D for assembly and testing, spanning until March 2030. Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space, expressed enthusiasm stating, “We are entering an exciting period where Canadarm3 will take shape and come to life on our production floor.”
The Canadarm3, an evolution of its predecessors used on the shuttle and International Space Station, represents Canada's commitment to space innovation. François-Philippe Champagne, Canada's minister of innovation, science, and industry, affirmed, “Canadarm3 showcases our commitment to innovation.”
MDA Space, previously known as MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates, initiated work on Canadarm3 in 2020, leveraging its heritage in space robotics. Greenley highlighted the company's strategic expansion into commercial space products, including the Skymaker line of robotics systems, recently unveiled in April.
The company's lunar exploration efforts extend to collaborations like the Lunar Dawn rover, integrating MDA Skymaker technology, and participation in the Starlab Space joint venture, where MDA Space plans to supply a robotic arm system for the upcoming commercial space station.
Greenley underscored the strategic alignment of these initiatives with MDA Space's broader portfolio in Earth observation and communications satellites. “We've now productized our offering to make it more accessible to the commercial market,” he stated.