Space agency funding Mars exploration

The Vancouver Sun: Space agency funding Mars exploration

The Canadian Space Agency has awarded a contract to develop a Canadian-designed vehicle to explore the surface of Mars.

The $6-million contract given to B.C.-based MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates will help fund the development of a semi-autonomous rover that can be commanded from a remote location.

"The project will position Canada as a potential partner in international space exploration missions, and maintain Canadian technical expertise in space robotics," according to a release from the space agency.

The rover, similar to the ones launched by NASA in 2004, will be equipped with cameras and detectors for navigation and a small robotic arm to help conduct experiments on the planet's surface.

The prototype is expected to be ready for field testing in 2012.

The CSA expects the technology will also have applications on Earth-based mining, transportation and security.

MDA has proven expertise in space robotics, including the development of the robotic arm on the International Space Station — Canadarm2 or Dextre — the CSAs contribution to the orbiting space lab.