MDA Space to conduct early-phase study for proposed LUV

Executive Summary

• MDA Space Ltd. has been selected by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to lead an early-phase study for Canada's proposed Lunar Utility Vehicle (LUV).
• The study aims to define the LUV mission concept and technology development plan, focusing on mission architecture, technology options, and risk assessments to ensure readiness for future lunar logistics and mobility.
• The initiative follows a successful autonomous lunar surface demonstration conducted by the MDA Space team in December 2024.

Key Details

• Contract Scope: Early-phase study for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) regarding the Lunar Utility Vehicle (LUV).
• Team Composition: The MDA Space-led team includes:
  • MDA Space Ltd.: Providing mission-critical space systems and MDA Skymaker (a scalable, modular space robotics suite derived from Canadarm technology).
  • Centre de Technologies Avancees BRP -- Universite de Sherbrooke (CTA): Contributing decades of experience in rugged off-road vehicle development.
  • University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS): Providing leadership in advanced autonomy algorithms and intelligent navigation.
• Study Objectives:
  • Define mission architecture.
  • Evaluate technology options.
  • Conduct risk assessments.
  • Ensure technologies for future lunar logistics and mobility are mission-ready.
• Technological Integration: The team will integrate MDA Skymaker to pave the way for scalable, autonomous mobility solutions for reliable operations in challenging lunar environments.
• Recent Context: This study follows a successful autonomous lunar surface demonstration by the MDA Space team at the CSA in December 2024.

Notable Quotes

• Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space: "We're proud to be working alongside CTA and UTIAS to help shape Canada's role in lunar exploration... This early concept study will help build the foundation for new lunar logistics solutions to support long-term human presence on the moon, enabling reliable delivery of cargo, resources and mobility for future missions."
• Eric Charlebois, General Manager of CTA: "We are honoured to bring our longstanding expertise in advanced vehicle engineering to this lunar initiative... Our team is eager to apply our experience in designing and testing rugged, high performance vehicles for extreme environments to the unique challenges of lunar mobility."
• Dr. Tim Barfoot, UTIAS: "Developing advanced autonomy for lunar vehicles demands both technical ingenuity and close collaboration... UTIAS brings deep expertise in intelligent navigation and robotics essential for enabling reliable, self-directed operations on the Moon."