Canada Launches $10.6M Lunar Rover Study, Supporting 200 Jobs

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has awarded contracts totaling 14.6 million Canadian dollars to Canadensys Aerospace Corporation, MDA Space, and Mission Control for early-phase studies on a new lunar utility rover designed to support human exploration of the Moon as part of the U.S.-led Artemis program. This 13-year, 1.2 billion Canadian dollar initiative aims to develop a rover capable of transporting cargo, performing logistics, and aiding construction duties on the lunar surface, with requirements for at least 60% Canadian content initially. MDA Space is leading one of the studies, focusing on mission architecture, technology options, risk assessments, and integrating their SKYMAKER™ space robotics technology derived from Canadarm. The program is expected to create and maintain 200 well-paying jobs over the next decade and expand Canadian businesses' role in the global space sector. Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen is set to be the first non-American to travel near the Moon on Artemis 2, highlighting Canada’s growing role in lunar exploration. Officials emphasize that this effort will help establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and strengthen international collaboration in space.