MDA Space Secures $1B Contract from Canadian Space Agency for Lunar Gateway Robotic Arm

MDA Space has announced that it has received a contract from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) valued at $1 billion Canadian ($730 million), which will propel the development of the Canadarm3 robotic arm system for the lunar Gateway.

The new contract encompasses Phases C and D, which involve the final design and the subsequent assembly and testing of the Canadarm3 system. This work is expected to be completed by March 2030.

“We are entering an exciting period where Canadarm3 will take shape and come to life on our production floor...This major milestone also reflects our strategy in action as we build our significant backlog and bring to market a new generation of commercial space products and services.” - Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space

The Canadian government initially committed to the lunar Gateway program in 2019, becoming NASA's first international partner in the endeavor. At that time, the government pledged an investment of $2 billion Canadian over 24 years. This investment includes the development of the Canadarm3, which builds upon the legacy of its predecessors—the original Canadarm used on the space shuttle and the Canadarm2 currently operational on the International Space Station (ISS).

MDA Space, known as MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates when it received the initial Canadarm3 contract in 2020, has been a pivotal player in space robotics due to its work on earlier versions of the Canadarm.

“Building on the legacy of strategic investments in space robotics, Canadarm3 showcases our commitment to innovation,” - François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

Leveraging its expertise, MDA Space has broadened its portfolio to include commercial products. In April, the company unveiled its MDA Skymaker line of space robotics systems. This technology will be employed in the Lunar Dawn rover, which is being developed by a team led by Lunar Outpost. The rover was one of three selected by NASA in April for initial funding under its Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services program.

Additionally, MDA Space plans to integrate a Skymaker robotic arm system into Starlab, a commercial space station being developed by the Starlab Space joint venture. In May, MDA Space joined this venture, taking an undisclosed equity stake as part of its agreement to provide the station’s robotic arm system.

MDA Space's expansion includes moving into a new facility in Brampton, Ontario. The facility is equipped to build and test robotic systems and houses multiple mission control centers to operate robotic arms on the ISS, Gateway, and other commercial platforms.

This latest contract from the CSA underscores MDA Space's pivotal role in advancing space robotics technology and reaffirms Canada's commitment to contributing significant innovations to international space exploration initiatives.