Just an hour outside of Toronto, nestled between a day spa and a popular shawarma restaurant, lies the modest headquarters of Canadensys Aerospace. This two-storey building, with its blue-tinted windows glimmering under the summer sun, is at the forefront of Canada's ambitious plans to explore the Moon. Canadensys is developing the first-ever Canadian-built rover, marking a significant milestone in what will be the country's inaugural planetary exploration mission.
Inside the office, walls adorned with models, maps, and posters of outer space depict the vast universe. Engineers clad in anti-static coats diligently work on advanced machinery, all in pursuit of a groundbreaking mission. According to Dr. Christian Sallaberger, the president and CEO of Canadensys, the goal of sending this rover to the Moon is part of a larger strategy aimed at expanding humanity's reach beyond Earth. “Learning about the Moon, which has the potential to become a base for further space exploration, is the logical first step,” he stated during an interview with the BBC.
The Canadian rover is an integral part of NASA's Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon. This rover will conduct essential tasks such as locating water and measuring radiation levels on the lunar surface, both crucial for future manned missions. Additionally, the rover is designed to endure the extreme conditions of lunar nights, which last approximately 14 Earth days.
With a weight of 35 kg, the rover is expected to launch as part of a NASA initiative in 2029 at the earliest, with its landing targeted for the Moon's south polar region—one of the most challenging environments on the lunar surface. Although the vehicle has not yet been named, the Canadian Space Agency has initiated an online competition to select a fitting title, with an announcement expected soon.
Currently, Canadensys is developing several prototypes of the rover, with the final version set to be assembled shortly before its launch. Each component is rigorously tested to ensure it can withstand the Moon's harsh conditions. One of the primary challenges is temperature fluctuation, as lunar nights can drop to a chilling -200°C (-328°F), while daytime temperatures can soar to a scorching 100°C (212°F). Dr. Sallaberger describes this as one of the most significant engineering hurdles, emphasizing that the challenge lies not just in surviving extreme cold, but also in adapting to rapid temperature swings.
The design of the rover's wheels presents another obstacle. The Moon's surface is covered with a sticky layer of fragmented rock and dust known as regolith. Dr. Sallaberger explains that unlike Earth dirt, which is generally smooth due to weathering, lunar soil is jagged and irregular, making it difficult for mechanisms to operate effectively. He likens it to “Velcro dirt,” which complicates movement and functionality.
The quest for water on the Moon is particularly thrilling, especially since it was once believed to be completely devoid of moisture after the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 70s. Dr. Gordon Osinski, the mission's chief scientist, shares that this perception shifted in 2008 when researchers re-examined Apollo samples and discovered water particles. Around the same time, spacecraft in lunar orbit detected evidence of water, although ground verification is still pending.
Dr. Osinski speculates on the nature of this water, pondering whether it exists in small patches or is mixed within the lunar soil like grains of ice. The potential discovery of water on the Moon could revolutionize sustainable exploration efforts. Transporting water from Earth is one of the most significant logistical challenges, so identifying a local supply could vastly improve mission viability. Moreover, water molecules can be separated to produce hydrogen, a critical component of rocket fuel. Osinski envisions a future where the Moon serves as a refueling station for spacecraft.
Canada's aspiration to build a lunar surface vehicle has been decades in the making, with discussions dating back to the early 2000s. However, it wasn't until 2019 that concrete plans emerged. Canadensys was awarded a C$4.7 million (approximately $3.4 million; £2.5 million) contract three years later. Founded in 2013, the company has engaged in various aerospace projects for NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and commercial clients, contributing to over 20 instruments used in multiple lunar missions.
Despite the excitement surrounding the project, challenges remain. Landing on the Moon is inherently risky; for instance, a spacecraft from the US commercial firm Intuitive Machines toppled during its landing in March, while a Japanese company, iSpace, lost contact during its landing attempt just three months later. Dr. Sallaberger acknowledges the unpredictable nature of space exploration, emphasizing the necessity of thorough preparation to mitigate risks.
Traditionally, space exploration has fostered international collaboration, with nations—even rivals like the United States and Russia—working together on projects like the International Space Station. However, as the idea of a permanent lunar presence becomes more feasible, geopolitical concerns about lunar ownership and resource utilization have arisen. Osinski notes that discussions about who owns the Moon and its resources are becoming increasingly prevalent. In 2021, the US enacted a law to protect the Apollo landing site, highlighting concerns about potential claims from nations like China.
Encouragingly, the Artemis Accords—a framework promoting sustainable and peaceful exploration—have been adopted by over 50 countries, including nations not typically associated with space exploration, such as Uruguay, Estonia, and Rwanda.
As the role of private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin continues to expand, space exploration is becoming more accessible. These companies can now take individuals with the financial means—regardless of training—into space for brief experiences. Yet, the Moon remains the ultimate prize, opening up a multitude of possibilities for humanity's future in space.
Looking ahead, Dr. Sallaberger mentioned that Canadensys is also exploring long-term projects, such as lunar greenhouses for food production. While these initiatives are years away, the rover represents the first step in a journey towards sustainable lunar exploration. “If you design something that can survive on the lunar surface long-term, you're pretty bulletproof anywhere else in the solar system,” he concluded.
