MDA Secures $1 Billion Contract for Canadarm3

Insider Brief:

• MDA Space has secured a $1 billion contract from the Canadian Space Agency to design and deliver the Canadarm3 project.
• Canadarm3 will play a key role in NASA’s Gateway, a space station orbiting the Moon that will support missions under the Artemis program.
• The contract covers the final design and construction phases of Canadarm3 and is expected to run until March 2030.

MDA Space announced it has secured a $1 billion contract from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to advance the Canadarm3 project. Canadarm3 will play a key role in NASA’s Gateway, a space station orbiting the Moon that will support missions under the Artemis program.

The contract covers the final design and construction phases of Canadarm3, involves over 200 Canadian companies, and will run until March 2030. This system includes a large arm, a smaller dexterous arm, and specialized tools for maintenance and scientific tasks. MDA will oversee the assembly and testing of these components from their facility in Brampton, Ontario. They will also provide mission control support once Canadarm3 is operational.

MDA CEO Mike Greenley discussed the significance of this contract, stating it reinforces MDA’s leadership in space technology. This milestone aligns with MDA’s strategy to develop advanced commercial space products. Leveraging Canadarm3 technology, MDA has introduced MDA SKYMAKER™, a suite of commercial space robotics for various applications, including satellite servicing and in-space manufacturing.

The Canadian government highlights this contract as a testament to Canada’s commitment to lunar exploration and innovation in space robotics. Minister François-Philippe Champagne noted that Canadarm3 will enhance Canada’s position in the global space sector and support job creation and skills development.

Image credit: MDA Space