Maple syrup is one of Canada’s most iconic sweet treats, loved for its unique flavour and natural origin. However,...
Canada's role in space exploration
More and more nations want to send men into space to explore the galaxy.
They are doing everything they can to overtake the International Space Station or ISS. Canada says it wants to participate in this human expedition into space. This results in two things. The first mission is to put the Canadarm3 in place. This is a robotic system that will go to the Gateway station. The second action given the installation of a Canadian scientific and technological innovation program with a Canadian lunar rover.
What about Canada’s participation in Gateway Station?
Canada is one of the partners of the SSI program.
They continue to collaborate internationally and work to build the Lunar Gateway. The work is taking place under the direction of the USA. This is a space station which orbits the moon and which will serve as a test bed. It is a platform which will be used for various lunar exploration missions. Furthermore, Canada will equip the Station Gateway with the “Canadarm3” system. This is an intelligent process which consists of a robotic arm and various special accessories.
Advances and cutting-edge software will allow this system to:
- Maintain, repair and inspect the lunar space station;
- Catching spacecraft transmitted to the station and moving modules;
- Helping astronauts who have gone into space;
- Conduct scientific experiments in orbit on the surface of the moon.
These tasks must be done without any human intervention, because the space station will not always be manned. Communication time will prevent command of the system from land and in real time. Canada will equip this space station with an intelligent robotic system with a state-of-the-art robotic arm and additional specialized tools.
Boost technological and scientific innovation in Canada
In addition, the ASC offers the Lunar Exploration Acceleration Program or PAEL. Canada's space sector offers different opportunities to carry out technological and scientific activities in orbit on the lunar surface or around the moon.
The aim of the PAEL is to:
- Give Canada's space sector the opportunity to carry out scientific experiments in accordance with lunar conditions to prepare for various robotic missions;
- Perfect innovative technologies on the surface of the moon and provide demonstrations;
- Develop technologies essential for future missions in space.
A lunar rover from Canada
PAEL also involves launching, developing and operating a Canadian rover to demonstrate different technologies on the moon. The Canadian company Canadensys was chosen to develop the Canadian rover with loads.
This rover will explore a region of the moon by 2026. This mission will demonstrate essential technologies. It consists of collecting scientific information using six useful loads essential to the search for ice.
Thus, researchers can understand the lunar environment and geology. The mission involves taking measurements and images and collecting data on the lunar surface. We then test the resistance of the rover overnight. It should be noted that one night on the moon lasts fourteen days on earth. They are dark and cold.
The SEM or mobile maintenance system
The Canadarm arm has always been considered Canada's only participation in the space program. The success was obvious and today, we find it on the majority of Space Shuttle flights.
Canada joined the space station program based on its knowledge. However, he insisted on participation which should not be reduced to simple material provision. After obtaining the agreement of the United States on this subject, Canada designed and built the SEM in order to exploit it. The SEM is a system that will fulfill the maintenance and assembly tasks of the space station. He will move supplies and equipment to the station while providing support to the astronauts. He also takes care of maintaining the instruments and loads essential to the station.
Furthermore, the SEM will be used to dock the shuttles. He carries out inspections, loading and unloading of the hold. Canada remains responsible for the development, design and operation of the SEM over the long term. The SEM has two elements making the remote manipulator. The arm has seven joints that a motor activates. It can be controlled via a computer. The additional articulation allows the arm to repeat human movements. The arm measures 17.6m (length). It is capable of gripping a load of 128 imperial tons. The TSS has successfully passed the safety test. It was delivered to NASA in February 1999. Once it is installed on the ISS, it will move on a base system or mobile transporter provided by Canada.
In addition, the second element of the SEM is the MAS or specialized agile manipulator. This is a small robot. It has two arms with seven joints. Each is approximately two meters long. The mechanical dexterity of this robot allows it to carry out various delicate tasks. Thus, it can intervene on fuel pipes, electrical circuits, cooling systems, etc.
Advances in robotics have endowed the MAS with human senses. It consists of three cameras to see how things are happening within the station. It is capable of detecting targets and rectifying the position. In addition, advanced software is also present to avoid collisions between arms. Note again that this robot has a sense of touch. Its force sensors keep it informed of the pressure with which it twists, pulls or pushes an object.
icon
Free shipping
For orders over 99 €
icon
International Shipping
Tax and customs included
icon
Customer service 7/7
Quick response to your requests
icon
Secure payment
Safe purchase guarantee
Leave a comment
Log in to post comments