TEAM LED BY MDA SPACE SELECTED FOR CANADA'S LUNAR UTILITY VEHICLE STUDY

Core Insights - MDA Space Ltd. has been selected by the Canadian Space Agency to conduct an early-phase study for Canada's proposed Lunar Utility Vehicle (LUV) [1][3] Group 1: Project Overview - The study aims to define the LUV mission concept and technology development plan, focusing on mission architecture, technology options, and risk assessments [3] - This initiative follows a successful autonomous lunar surface demonstration by MDA Space at the Canadian Space Agency in December 2024 [3] Group 2: Collaborative Efforts - The project involves collaboration with the Centre de Technologies Avancées BRP – Université de Sherbrooke and the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, combining expertise in space systems, vehicle development, and advanced autonomy algorithms [2][5] - MDA Space will integrate MDA SKYMAKER™, a suite of scalable and modular space robotics, to enable autonomous mobility solutions on the lunar surface [4] Group 3: Leadership Statements - The CEO of MDA Space emphasized the importance of this study in shaping Canada's role in lunar exploration and supporting long-term human presence on the Moon [5] - The General Manager of CTA highlighted their expertise in designing rugged vehicles for extreme environments, applicable to lunar mobility challenges [5] - A representative from UTIAS noted the necessity of technical ingenuity and collaboration for developing advanced autonomy in lunar vehicles [5] Group 4: Company Background - MDA Space is a leader in the global space industry with over 55 years of experience, involved in more than 450 missions, and specializes in robotics, satellite systems, and geointelligence [6]