Title:
Advancement of Surface Mobility Traction Drives (SMTD)
Agreement Number:
25STDPX24
Agreement Value:
$950,438.00
Agreement Date:
Sep 18, 2025 - Feb 28, 2027
Description:
Sustainable surface transportation of large elements (e.g. cargo, crew, etc.) over large distances on the Moon requires the use of traction drive systems. The specific combination of large cargo elements, challenging terrain (e.g. large slopes, abrasive regolith), and extended life in both vacuum and the extreme Lunar temperature environment exceed the capabilities of existing state-of-the-art terrestrial traction drive systems. MDA Space is proposing to develop a traction drive system to meet the demanding mission requirements of known and forecast Lunar rovers. Key market differentiators will be a traction drive system exhibiting high speed and torque capabilities, and a long life with no maintenance intervention, which can withstand the challenging Lunar night and regolith environments. Potential customers include the Lunar Utility Vehicle, NASA’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), the European Lunar Polar Sample Return (LPSR) mission, and potentially pressurized rover missions.
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 L6Y 6K7
Reference Number:
003-2025-2026-Q2-00010
Agreement Type:
Contribution
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Type:
For-profit organization
Amendment Date
Mar 27, 2026
Recipient's Operating Name:
MDA Headquarters (Brampton)
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.