Grants and Contributions:

Title:
Semi-Active Rotary Damper Adapted for Rovers
Agreement Number:
25STDPZ08
Agreement Value:
$500,000.00
Agreement Date:
Sep 30, 2025 - Nov 15, 2027
Description:
CTA is a non-profit of Canada with expertise in semi-active suspensions systems and advanced engineering for mobility. This project’s objective is to deliver an innovative damper design for wheeled extraterrestrial vehicles, using friction that can be modulated. This system replaces traditional fluid based damper elements that are not well suited for the harsh condition of space exploration. By using algorithms to modulate friction in real-time as a function of inputs such as speed, the system can improve the mobility of rovers, allow operation at faster speeds and improve systems lifespan. The project includes detailed design, manufacturing and characterization of a damper prototype in a laboratory. The disruptive technology could position Canada as a leader in advanced rover mobility, filling an important technological gap that overly complicated smart suspensions seem to overlook.
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:
Sherbrooke, Quebec, CA J1K 0A5
Reference Number:
003-2025-2026-Q2-00038
Agreement Type:
Contribution
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Type:
For-profit organization
Recipient's Legal Name:
Centre de Technologies Avancées BRP-Université de Sherbrooke Inc.
Program:
STDP AO 9.3 Space R&D – Next wave of technologies
Program Purpose:

Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan is focused on three priority areas to spur innovation: People, Technologies, and Companies. Working with industry, the Government of Canada will encourage innovation by increasing its support for basic research and development (R&D) in space technology development. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is issuing this Announcement of Opportunity (AO) to support the development of Canadian industrial capabilities in the area of space technologies with the aim of increasing the commercial potential of Canadian space companies to capture global opportunities.

It is paramount that the Canadian space industry remains strong, healthy and relevant, and that it has the required readiness to respond to national demand and the necessary competitiveness to secure an increased share of commercial and institutional markets worldwide. Only through innovation and continued investments in R&D can Canada ensure that it has the industrial depth and breadth to remain a valued player in the international arena.

In light of the above, this AO concerning Space R&D - Next wave of technologies will award non-repayable contributions up to $500,000 per next wave space technology project that expect commercial potential in the medium to long term (i.e., five to ten years).