MDA Space secures $1 billion contract for Canadarm3 system

MDA Space secures $1 billion contract for Canadarm3 system
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jul 01, 2024
MDA Space Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a key partner in the global space industry, has been awarded a $1 billion contract by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) for the next phases of the Canadarm3 program. This advanced space robotics system will be utilized on Gateway, a collaborative international project led by NASA to establish a lunar orbit space station supporting human and robotic missions to the Moon, as part of the Artemis program.

The contract covers funding for Phase C (final design) and Phase D (construction, assembly, integration, and testing) of the complete robotics system. This system includes a large arm, a smaller dexterous arm, specialized tools for maintenance and science tasks, and a ground segment for command and control. MDA Space will oversee the commissioning of the Canadarm3 robotics system from its new mission control facility at the Space Robotics Centre of Excellence in Brampton, Ontario. The contract also encompasses planning and personnel training for on-orbit mission operations.

"We are entering an exciting period where Canadarm3 will take shape and come to life on our production floor. This critical investment in Canadarm3 reinforces and expands our national and industry leadership as a new era of space opens up," said Mike Greenley, Chief Executive Officer of MDA Space. "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."

Building on Canadarm3 technology, MDA Space has launched a new suite of commercial space robotics called MDA SKYMAKERTM. This suite will provide global customers access to the world's most flight-proven space robotics solutions and services. This contract marks significant progress in developing commercial technologies for emerging markets such as commercial space stations, lunar surface rovers and landers, satellite servicing in all orbits, and in-space assembly and manufacturing. Commercialization is a key goal of the Canadarm3 program, and MDA Space is already making strides in the commercial space market.

"This contract highlights Canada's commitment to the next chapter of lunar exploration. Building on the legacy of strategic investments in space robotics, Canadarm3 showcases our commitment to innovation," said the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. "Beyond enhancing Canada's position of developing and retaining top talents and world-renowned innovators, this initiative supports high-quality jobs and opportunities for growth within the country's expanding space sector."

Phases C and D of the contract will engage over 200 Canadian companies in the MDA Space supply chain, fostering job creation, skills development, and economic and export opportunities for the Canadian space industry.

The contract is set to run until March 2030 and will be added to MDA's backlog in the second quarter of fiscal 2024.