Title:
End of Arm Compliance Mechanism (ECM)
Agreement Number:
22STDPQ25
Agreement Value:
$1,000,000.00
Agreement Date:
Jan 27, 2023 - Dec 31, 2024
Description:
An objective of humanity’s return to the Moon is to establish a sustained human presence. Mobility platforms equipped with capable robotic arms enables the creation of essential infrastructure and expands the tasks, capabilities, and science that astronauts can perform.
Mass and cost are key drivers for systems that will operate on the Moon. This Space Technology Develop Program (STDP) funded project will develop a novel End of Arm Compliance Mechanism (ECM) that will allow a robotic arm to perform first of a kind payload handling and installation operations equivalent to that of a 6 joint arm with only 4 joints. This results in a best in class product that is less complex, lighter, less expensive, more compact, and has a larger handling capacity than existing planetary arms. This program includes the mechanical design, development, assembly and test of an Engineering Model in a relevant environment (e.g. regolith, TVAC), advancing the technology readiness level (TRL) from 4 to 6 over 14 months.
This proposed development will enable a commercially competitive robotic system that will position Canada to have a strong role in the emerging lunar economy.
Organization:
Canadian Space Agency
Expected Results:
The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.
Location:
Brampton, Ontario, CA L6S 4J3
Reference Number:
003-2022-2023-Q4-00022
Agreement Type:
Contribution
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Type:
For-profit organization
Amendment Date
Oct 12, 2023
Recipient's Legal Name:
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Inc.
Program:
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Program Purpose:
This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.