Canadarm3 for Lunar Gateway

Canadarm3 is the next-generation robotic system being developed by MDA Space for NASA's Lunar Gateway — the space station that will orbit the Moon as part of the Artemis program. Unlike its predecessors on the Space Shuttle and International Space Station, Canadarm3 will feature AI-enabled autonomous operation, capable of performing maintenance and scientific tasks without real-time human control due to communication delays. The Canadian Space Agency increased Canadarm3 investment by CA$172.2 million in 2025-26.

Canadarm3 matters because it secures Canada's place in humanity's return to the Moon and eventual missions to Mars. Canada's contribution to the Lunar Gateway earns Canadian astronauts flight opportunities and positions Canadian companies for the growing cislunar economy. The AI autonomy features represent a significant technological leap from previous Canadarm iterations.

Strategically, Canadarm3 is Canada's insurance policy for continued relevance in human spaceflight. The original Canadarm earned Canada its seat at the ISS table; Canadarm3 does the same for the next generation of space exploration. MDA Space's role as prime contractor also sustains a critical mass of space robotics expertise that has broader applications in terrestrial robotics, autonomous systems, and AI.