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WASHINGTON – The Canadian Space Agency – NASA's first international partner to commit to the Moon Bridge – is considering a faster timeline for its contributions to keep pace with NASA's accelerated plans.
In March, less than a month before US Vice President Mike Pence announced his goal of landing on the Moon by 2024, Canada is committed to to spend C $ 2 billion ($ 1.4 billion) for the Lunar Orbital Platform Gateway, a human-based facility in orbiting the moon, as well as other space programs spanning 24 years.
Sylvain Laporte, President of the Canadian Space Agency, said on May 22 that Canada had realized that it was too early to sign up for the Lunar Bridge program, but that it was sending the right signal regarding the dedication of the Canadian Space Agency. Canada.
"It was a leap of faith," said Laporte at a luncheon hosted by the Space Transportation Association. "We knew we were heading for a new program, so do not get me wrong, we did not do it in the dark."
Laporte said the Canadian Space Agency had had many discussions with NASA before committing to supporting the lunar gateway.
NASA's previous plans called for a return to the moon by 2028. Laporte described Canada's role in the bridge as "evolving" in light of the new 2024 target.
"The call for action launched by Vice President Pence could result in a call for action in countries other than the United States," he said.
Canadarm-3, a clever 8.5-meter robotic arm built with carbon fiber composites and artificial intelligence for space missions, is Canada's largest contribution to the door. from the moon. Laporte said the accelerated development of this project is under study.
"We have had a lot of discussion with our NASA colleagues about how Canada can help the United States succeed. If we were to accelerate the Canadian arm program in 2024 or 2025, would the US program have benefits for the future? We are now discussing the details of this, "he said.
Laporte said Canada's space strategy, released on March 6, emphasized international collaboration. The fact that Canadian politicians have pledged to finance for 24 years via the Lunar Gateway – an amount that far exceeds what he described as "electoral horizons" – testifies to the ability of the Canadian Space Agency to insist on the importance of long-term planning, said Laporte. This funding schedule also reflects the Canadian government's belief that a long-term collaboration with the United States is the right way, he said.
"We informed our NASA colleagues that we were ready to accelerate our plans," he said. "We plan to take the risk of accelerating our program."
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