Canada Joins Lunar Gateway Project
Joint NASA-Canada Lunar Gateway Project Aims to Return Humans to the Moon
From pioneering satellite communications technologies to building the 'Canadarm' and space-based radar systems, Canada has made key contributions to space science and technology for close to six decades. Investing in science, innovation, and research unlocks new opportunities for economic growth and helps us understand the world we live in and our place in it.
Fifty years after the Moon landing, space exploration is entering a new chapter – and Canada will play a big role in it. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, recently announced Canada's new partnership in the NASA-led Lunar Gateway – a project that will see humans return to the Moon and set the stage for further exploration to Mars.
"Canada's historic investment will keep our astronaut program running and our aerospace industry strong and growing, while opening up a new realm of possibilities for Canadian research and innovation,” says the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada. “With the Lunar Gateway, Canada will play a major role in one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken. Together, with our partners from around the world, we'll continue to push the boundaries of human ambition, and inspire generations of kids – and adults – to always aim higher and aspire to something greater."
The Gateway is a Moon outpost that will provide living space for astronauts, a docking station for visiting spacecraft, and laboratories for research. Canada will develop and contribute a smart robotic system – Canadarm3 – that will repair and maintain the Gateway.
Canada's partnership in the Gateway ushers in a new era of Canadian excellence in space, and will be the cornerstone of Canada's new, ambitious space strategy. The Government of Canada will invest $2.05 billion over 24 years for Canada's space program. This investment will create hundreds of good, well-paying jobs over the next ten years – from scientists and engineers to technicians and computer programmers – and will contribute $100 million annually to Canada's gross domestic product.
It will also help grow innovative Canadian companies of all sizes by supporting the development of new digital and artificial intelligence-based technologies, and by opening new markets for Canadian businesses.
This investment will also give Canadian astronauts the opportunity to participate in missions to space and our scientists a chance to conduct cutting-edge research that cannot be done on Earth.
"Canada recognizes that space is a national asset and a source of pride, and is committed to supporting economic opportunities that will unlock growth and jobs across this vibrant sector,” said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. “The Government of Canada has a forward-looking vision for its space program and sector, making sure that our country remains a leading space-faring nation.”
The investment includes $150 million over five years in support for a new Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program. Drawing on Canada's expertise as a world leader in innovation, this program will help small and medium-sized businesses in Canada develop new technologies to be used and tested in lunar orbit and on the Moon's surface in fields that include artificial intelligence, robotics, and health.
“Thanks to this investment,” said Bains, “Our Canadian astronauts will have access to new space missions, inspiring generations to come. The Canadian space community will maintain global leadership in robotics, and capitalize on our world-leading expertise in AI, and health."
Joint NASA-Canada Lunar Gateway Project Aims to Return Humans to the Moon
From pioneering satellite communications technologies to building the 'Canadarm' and space-based radar systems, Canada has made key contributions to space science and technology for close to six decades. Investing in science, innovation, and research unlocks new opportunities for economic growth and helps us understand the world we live in and our place in it.
Fifty years after the Moon landing, space exploration is entering a new chapter – and Canada will play a big role in it. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, recently announced Canada's new partnership in the NASA-led Lunar Gateway – a project that will see humans return to the Moon and set the stage for further exploration to Mars.
"Canada's historic investment will keep our astronaut program running and our aerospace industry strong and growing, while opening up a new realm of possibilities for Canadian research and innovation,” says the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada. “With the Lunar Gateway, Canada will play a major role in one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken. Together, with our partners from around the world, we'll continue to push the boundaries of human ambition, and inspire generations of kids – and adults – to always aim higher and aspire to something greater."
The Gateway is a Moon outpost that will provide living space for astronauts, a docking station for visiting spacecraft, and laboratories for research. Canada will develop and contribute a smart robotic system – Canadarm3 – that will repair and maintain the Gateway.
Canada's partnership in the Gateway ushers in a new era of Canadian excellence in space, and will be the cornerstone of Canada's new, ambitious space strategy. The Government of Canada will invest $2.05 billion over 24 years for Canada's space program. This investment will create hundreds of good, well-paying jobs over the next ten years – from scientists and engineers to technicians and computer programmers – and will contribute $100 million annually to Canada's gross domestic product.
It will also help grow innovative Canadian companies of all sizes by supporting the development of new digital and artificial intelligence-based technologies, and by opening new markets for Canadian businesses.
This investment will also give Canadian astronauts the opportunity to participate in missions to space and our scientists a chance to conduct cutting-edge research that cannot be done on Earth.
"Canada recognizes that space is a national asset and a source of pride, and is committed to supporting economic opportunities that will unlock growth and jobs across this vibrant sector,” said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. “The Government of Canada has a forward-looking vision for its space program and sector, making sure that our country remains a leading space-faring nation.”
The investment includes $150 million over five years in support for a new Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program. Drawing on Canada's expertise as a world leader in innovation, this program will help small and medium-sized businesses in Canada develop new technologies to be used and tested in lunar orbit and on the Moon's surface in fields that include artificial intelligence, robotics, and health.
“Thanks to this investment,” said Bains, “Our Canadian astronauts will have access to new space missions, inspiring generations to come. The Canadian space community will maintain global leadership in robotics, and capitalize on our world-leading expertise in AI, and health."