The Canadian Space Agency91裸聊视频檚 head of space exploration is looking at how the CSA could contribute to a planned mini space station that would orbit the moon.
Gilles Leclerc says Canadian robotics could play a key role on the Deep Space Gateway.
The CSA is working to develop robotic arms as its contribution to a small lunar outpost to be built by international partners in the next decade.
American and Russian space agencies signed a statement long-term space projects, which focus on the so-called deep space gateway. The small space station would be placed in orbit between the Earth and the moon.
91裸聊视频淔or Canada, the challenge right now is to identify what our contribution could be to humanity91裸聊视频檚 next step in human exploration,91裸聊视频� said Gilles Leclerc, the Canadian agency91裸聊视频檚 head of space exploration.
91裸聊视频淲e are defining what Canada will do in the next 30 years in space.91裸聊视频�
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Canada and the world91裸聊视频檚 space agencies are committed to the International Space Station until 2024.
The next destination would be the lunar station 91裸聊视频� a platform to serve as a staging point to travel to the moon91裸聊视频檚 surface and eventually, further away.
91裸聊视频淭he ultimate destination for all partners 91裸聊视频� is Mars,91裸聊视频� Leclerc said.
A natural fit for Canada91裸聊视频檚 contribution would revolve around robotics.
Leclerc said there are three possibilities: robotic arms, moon rovers and space mining 91裸聊视频� technologies Canada already develops and could be useful.
Concept studies have started on two robotic arms that will help build and maintain the mini-station.
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. of B.C. has been awarded a $2.75 million contract to work on the new Canadarms.
Paul Fulford, MDA91裸聊视频檚 product development manager, said the current concept involves an eight-metre manipulator arm and a smaller one-metre arm.
91裸聊视频淭he CSA are asking that we explore the notion of a small multi-purpose arm 91裸聊视频� one that could work inside the space station and possibly on the surface of the moon as well,91裸聊视频� he said.
Fulford said the new robotic arms could be operating on the lunar outpost in the 2020s, which would help get a Canadian astronaut to the moon.
Leclerc said the future of the station will depend on the means of transportation to get back to the moon. NASA is developing the Space Launch System (SLS), a giant rocket developed with deep space travel in mind.
The SLS would be topped with an Orion capsule with a crew of four.
A tentative plan would see an SLS rocket travel around the moon unmanned in 2019 and another after that to come within three years 91裸聊视频� this time with astronauts.
91裸聊视频淭here91裸聊视频檚 going to be at least three missions to construct the deep space gateway from 2020 to 2026,91裸聊视频� Leclerc said, after which the station would be manned.
Canada91裸聊视频檚 newest astronauts, Jennifer Sidey and Joshua Kutryk, started basic training last month and space flight is at least five years away.
This is a huge day! Pretty exciting! Thank you to everyone who supported me so much over this year-long process. You have been incredible!
91裸聊视频� Dr. Jenni Sidey (@Astro_Jenni)
Fellow astronaut David Saint-Jacques is scheduled for a six-month visit to the ISS in November 2018 and colleague Jeremy Hansen could see his own mission between 2020 and 2024.
Leclerc said Canada is also looking at commercially-built capsules by companies like SpaceX to transport its corps.
It comes as the federal government works on a new space strategy, following consultations earlier this year by Canada91裸聊视频檚 Space Advisory Board.
An exciting and a proud day for me! Thank you to everyone who has helped me get here.
91裸聊视频� Joshua Kutryk (@Astro_Kutryk)
It released a report suggesting Canada91裸聊视频檚 space industry has 91裸聊视频渓ost ground91裸聊视频� with rapidly changing environment and substantial space investments by other countries.
The board made several recommendations, including one that space be designated as a national strategic asset.
Peter Rakobowchuk, The Canadian Press
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