Significant investments to further propel Canadian space exploration

2023-03-29

On March 28, 2023, funding of $2.5 billion was announced as part of the federal budget to support Canadian leadership in space, including:

• $1.1 billion over 14 years to continue Canada's participation in the International Space Station until 2030
• $76.5 million over eight years in support of Canadian science on the Lunar Gateway
• $1.2 billion over 13 years to develop and contribute a lunar utility vehicle to assist astronauts on the Moon
• $150 million over five years for the next phase of the Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program (LEAP) to support Canada's world-class space industry and help accelerate the development of new technologies

By confirming its participation in the International Space Station through 2030, Canada secures a new flight for a CSA astronaut to the Station and sustained access to this unique microgravity environment for new Canadian science. Iconic Canadian robots Canadarm2 and Dextre will continue their critical operations, which include maintenance and inspection tasks, support of cargo resupply and other visiting vehicles, and helping out astronauts during spacewalks.

Thanks to the contribution of Canadarm3 to the United States-led Lunar Gateway, Canada secured dedicated time for Canadian science and technology development aboard this new space station destined for lunar orbit. The Gateway's unique location will allow Canadian researchers to perform observations and conduct science that is not possible from Earth or its orbit.

The Canadian lunar utility vehicle will be available to provide critical assistance to astronauts on the Moon and support operations. This investment allows Canada to work with the U.S. and other partners to advance scientific discovery and exploration on the lunar surface, with the objective of putting the first Canadian on the Moon. In parallel, investments through the next phase of LEAP will enable the development of new technologies for the lunar utility vehicle.