Canada has moon rover project in development

The Canadian Space Agency has contracted out two concept developments for a lunar rover that could support future manned missions. Two major space technology companies are working on different designs for the vehicles – one that would drill into the moon, and another that astronauts could live inside for short periods.
3/25/2009 7:30:00 AM By: Brian Jackson

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is pursuing concepts for a lunar rover that may assist astronauts on the moon by either mining for material that could be processed into oxygen, or by serving as a safe habitat when they're without a space suit.

The project development is in its early stages and there are two main concepts being developed by Canadian firms familiar with space robotics.

It could culminate in a rover that accompanies NASA astronauts on a return journey to the Moon's surface around 2020. The concept development was spurred by $110 million set aside in the most recent federal budget for developing rover prototypes.

CSA has confirmed issuing contracts for rover concept development to Ottawa-based Neptec Design Group Ltd., and Brampton-based MDA Corp. More competitive requests for proposals are expected in the coming months, says Jean Claude Piedboeuf, head of technology requirements and planning at CSA.

“We've identified some areas where Canada can play a role in the global space exploration strategy,” he says. “We are looking at the potential for mobility systems, so basically a moon rover.”

Contracts already awarded could include constructing a prototype and testing in areas on Earth that are similar to the moon, Piedboeuf adds. The new contract issued in the near future will seek a more integrated system that focuses not just on the technology of the rover, but the operational side to it as well.

MDA is working on a larger rover concept that includes a pressurized cabin, allowing astronauts to operate the vehicle without a helmet and even live in the rover for short periods of time. Neptec is working a medium-sized rover concept that includes an excavation capability, and a platform that a helmeted astronaut could use to pilot the vehicle.

MDA is best-known as the company that built the Canadarm and, more recently, Dextre – the robotic apparatus affixed to the International Space Station that assisted with its construction. It also has other rover-building experience, constructing the chassis for the ExoMars rover in a project for the European Space Agency slated to launch for Mars in 2011.

ExoMars
Artist's concept of the ExoMars rover.