One of Canada's contribution in Moon exploration.
The mean distance between our Planet and the Moon is about 384000 km. Humanity is preparing to send humans toward our natural satellite in the next years and Canada doesn’t want to stay there looking.
Canadian Space Agency has recently announced its involvement in future Moon exploration programs
Based on its strong experience with the International Space Station program, which is still being supported, Canadian Space Agency has recently announced its involvement in future Moon exploration programs in two ways:
a smart robotic system known as Canadarm3 for the Gateway, a small space station that will orbit the Moon;
a program for innovative Canadian science and technology, including a Canadian rover designed for the Moon.
the opportunity to participate in lunar science, technology demonstration and commercial activities
In this post we’ll talk about the first point, leaving to you, dear readers, the decision to talk also about the second one, if you want: let us know on our socials!
First of all, as usually happens in Space programs, agencies involved are often politically-backed, or, at least, cooperate toward a common goal.
The flip coin for Canada to supply the gateway with its Canadarm3 will be the opportunity to participate in lunar science, technology demonstration and commercial activities, as well as (most importantly) two astronaut flights to the Moon with the Artemis II program.
But why Canadarm is so important?
As its two predecessors demonstrated during the years, a lot of task would be way more difficult to complete in Space without such a sophisticated robotic arm. Using cutting-edge software and advances in artificial intelligence, this highly-autonomous system will be able to:
maintain, repair and inspect the Gateway,
capture visiting vehicles,
relocate Gateway modules,
help astronauts during spacewalks,
enable science both in lunar orbit and on the surface of the Moon.
So you can easily understand how fundamental is its contribution, considering the hash environment it will find itself operating.
thanks to advances in autonomy and artificial intelligence, Canadarm3 will be able to maintain itself in space
What represents an evolution with respect to the previous models, is its artificial intelligence. CSA referred to the smaller arm, part of the Canadarm3 system, as able to ”help repair the larger arm in space if necessary. This means that, thanks to advances in autonomy and artificial intelligence, Canadarm3 will be able to maintain itself in space – swapping out parts and keeping itself constantly ready to perform precise operations.”
Another important feature of this system as a whole, is that it will be able to move on the Gateway. Indeed, thanks to special interfaces on the exterior of the Gateway, Canadarm3 will exchange power, data and video connection with the orbiting outpost, completely integrating itself onboard.
Now comes the interesting part.
Canadian Space Agency also cared about letting us know what will be the important benefits that all humans will have thanks to the development of the technology.
Firstly, on the technical side as spin-offs:
neuroArm, the world's first robot capable of performing brain surgery inside an MRI machine;
IGAR, precision technology that has the potential to accelerate breast cancer diagnosis and treatment;
Modus V, a robotic digital microscope set to transform the way surgery is performed in hospitals.
Secondly, economically.
Hundreds of Canadian companies are expected to be involved in its development, working with MDA and research organizations to drive innovation and Canadian excellence in emerging technologies.
They will also collaborate with small and medium-sized businesses to drive innovation in emerging technologies throughout the development of Canadarm3. The global space market is expected to triple over the next 20 years to $1.1 trillion. With key capabilities in this market, like robotics, Canadian companies will be poised to seize the opportunities of the commercial space sector.
This is just a glimpse on what is going to happen in the Future of Space, and it seems to be as bright as it has never been.
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Some has already been published about this topic, and more will be in the future!
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