A Canadian utility rover on the Moon
- Launch: No earlier than
- Mission status: Concept development
In , four Canadian organizations were awarded contracts totalling $3.2 million. Over nine months, ABB Inc., Bubble Technology Industries, Mission Control, and Western University will develop concepts for scientific instruments for the lunar utility rover.
In , three Canadian companies were awarded contracts totalling $14.6 million to advance the development of the new Canadian lunar utility rover. Over 18 months, Canadensys Aerospace Corporation, MDA Space and Mission Control will conduct preparatory studies to assess different options for the rover, including potential capacities depending on different sizes and scope.
Supporting logistics, crew operations, and science on the lunar surface
Rovers will be key to a sustainable human presence on the Moon. They will be used for transportation, logistics, science, and other operations that can be accomplished with robotic tools. They will allow astronauts to focus on tasks where human judgment and initiative are required.
Canada is developing a versatile utility rover to contribute to Moon exploration efforts led by space agencies around the world. This Canadian rover may be used to:
- handle logistics tasks, such as gathering cargo from its landing site, moving and distributing supplies to habitats and worksites in preparation for arriving crew, and assisting with surface operations
- perform science investigations, such as scouting for navigation and surveying for ice or other resources
- support astronauts during spacewalks on the lunar surface
Key capabilities
The Canadian multi-purpose utility rover will notably be designed to:
- support a lifespan of minimum 10 years;
- survive the roughly two-week-long lunar night, with temperatures as low as -200 °C
- be operated from a Canadian operations centre on Earth and by astronauts on the Moon or in orbit around the Moon
- utilize robotic tools, scientific instruments and advanced sensors to support operations on the Moon
Leveraging Canada's heritage in space robotics
Contributing rovers as part of the international effort to establish a long-term presence on the Moon builds on Canada's expertise in space robotics and on continued development in rover technologies.