Canadarm3 / Space Robotics Systems

MDA Space (formerly MacDonald Dettwiler & Associates Space) is Canada’s flagship space company and the world’s leading developer of large space robotic systems. MDA developed all three generations of the iconic Canadarm series: Canadarm (Space Shuttle Remote Manipulator System, 1981–2011), Canadarm2 (ISS, continuously operational since 2001), and Canadarm3 (Lunar Gateway, in development).

Canadarm3 is MDA’s most advanced robotics system, designed for autonomous operation on NASA’s Lunar Gateway space station orbiting the Moon. Unlike Canadarm and Canadarm2 (which require ground operators due to ISS communications), Canadarm3 must operate autonomously during multi-hour communication blackouts in the cislunar environment. It will perform maintenance, assembly, and servicing tasks on the Gateway without continuous human oversight.

MDA also manufactures satellite antenna systems (active phased-array antennas for GEO satellites), radar satellite systems (RADARSAT-2, RCM), and is developing the Aurora satellite bus. The company’s robotics technology is also being adapted for terrestrial applications including medical robotics.