In April, Canadians witnessed Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen embark on the furthest journey ever taken by a human as part of the Artemis II mission, which included a lunar flyby with three other NASA astronauts. This mission marked a significant milestone in NASA’s plan to return humans to the moon by 2028 with the Artemis IV mission.
Unlike the Apollo program of the 1960s and ’70s, NASA’s Artemis program is a collaborative international effort involving 68 countries that have signed the Artemis Accords. The goal is not just a short visit but a long-term presence on the moon, requiring infrastructure such as construction vehicles, transportation systems, surveillance cameras, and power sources.
Canada is actively contributing to the mission to land humans on the moon again, with Canadian technology already making its mark. Although the Canadian Space Agency canceled a small lunar rover project in March, plans for a larger lunar utility vehicle by 2033 are in progress. Three Canadian companies, namely MDA Space, Canadensys Aerospace, and Mission Control, are competing to secure the final contract for the vehicle’s design.
NASA recently announced the Moon Base project, located near the lunar south pole, as an alternative to the Lunar Gateway space station. The construction of Moon Base will occur in three phases, with commercial partnerships for lunar rovers and landers already underway. This accelerated timeline may necessitate adjustments to the lunar utility vehicle designs.
Canadensys and Mission Control, both involved in lunar operations, highlight Canada’s expertise in space technology. They have contributed cameras to lunar missions, including Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander that landed in March 2025. Canada’s involvement in space exploration over the past decades has positioned it as a global leader in space robotics technology.
Power generation is a crucial consideration for sustaining a lunar base, and the Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation (CSMC) is developing a low-enriched uranium nuclear reactor for lunar operations. This technology could also have applications in remote communities on Earth. Furthermore, Canadian companies are exploring opportunities in lunar mining and robotics, leveraging their expertise in space technology.
With Canada’s strong presence in space technology and a growing role in lunar exploration, there are significant opportunities for the country to contribute to future lunar missions. The unique position Canada holds in the space industry, combined with recent advancements, presents a key opportunity to make substantial contributions to space exploration efforts.