When the Canadarm3 is built it will be the most advanced AI capable robotics arm ever developed for use in space and will be a critical element of the Lunar Gateway. Today the Canadian Space Agency announced that it had awarded MDA a $22.8 million contract to “establish the technical requirements to build Canadarm3.”
The Phase A contract is meant to evolve the work previously done as part of the Phase 0 contract. According to MDA the Canadarm3 will “be comprised of an eXploration Large Arm (XLA), an eXploration Dexterous Arm (XDA), specialized tools for performing maintenance and science tasks, as well as the ground control systems and AI-based control and mission planning software.”
In its announcement of the contract, the CSA stated that “in contrast to its predecessor on the International Space Station, ground control operations for Canadarm3 will take place exclusively in Canada.” That puts Canada at the forefront of remote space robotics operations and will build valuable Canadian experience which can be used in future space exploration missions.
The CSA also stated that “hundreds of Canadian companies are expected to be involved in the development of Canadarm3, working with MDA and research organizations to drive innovation and Canadian excellence in emerging technologies.”
“The development of Canadarm3 will involve the application of the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, which will ensure the participation of the broader Canadian supply chain and help motivate investments in key industrial capabilities within Canada’s space sector.”
In its press release MDA stated that “because of extremely limited and delayed communication with the ground due to the Gateway’s location some 400,000 kilometres from Earth, Canadarm3 will be highly autonomous and will use its advanced AI-enabled sensors and systems to safely conduct operations without requiring oversight and monitoring by the ground or on-board astronauts.”
MDA CEO Mike Greeley said “we are proud to partner once again with the Canadian Space Agency to contribute world-leading Canadian technology and operational expertise to an international space exploration endeavour. In addition to delivering the most advanced space robotics system ever built, the Canadarm3 program will serve as a catalyst for economic and socio-economic benefits in Canada, and will inspire a new generation of Canadians to think about what can truly be accomplished here in Canada.”
MDA also stated that the robotic work will position the company “for continued success in the commercial space robotics market, an emerging business area forecast to generate global revenues reaching upwards of CAD $7 billion in the next 10 years.”