The Canadian government is investing $53.7 million in MDA’s robotic technology as part of the federal government’s long-term-commitment to the International Space Station (ISS) and preparation for the next steps in deep-space exploration.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains toured the Brampton facilities of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) and made the announcement.
Maxar Technologies Ltd previously known as MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. is a Canadian multinational communications and information company. Maxar has locations throughout Canada, and the United States. It is a global communications and information company providing operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide.
These funds are expected to back ongoing space station operations with the Canadarm2 and Dextre, the station’s robotic handyman.
Government says that this will help pave the way for the next generation robotic arm and rovers that could be part of future deep space missions.
This investment will support 175 “well-paying middle-class jobs.”
About $52.5 million is to be spent on the mobile servicing system, the space station’s sophisticated robotics systems, including the return from space and refurbishing of one of Canadarm2’s hands.
Another $800,000 will go toward enabling autonomous control of future space hardware such as robotic arms and rovers and $450,000 used for a concept study for two rover types that would be used in lunar exploration.
