An artist’s concept of Canadarm3’s large arm on the Lunar Gateway. Photo: CSA, NASA

Canadian manufacturer MDA is building a new global headquarters housing a space robotics facility in Brampton, Ontario. The 200,000 square-foot building will feature the Space Robotics Centre of Excellence, state-of-the-art labs, manufacturing, R&D, and assembly, integration and test facilities. MDA is investing $100 million into the project and said the facility will employ 700 high-skill workers. 

MDA announced the plan on March 10, along with the news that the company is receiving a $269 million contract from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) for the next phase of the Canadarm3 program. Canadarm3 will be Canada’s contribution to the U.S.-led Gateway, a lunar outpost for human exploration on the Moon. The autonomous robotic system will be designed to perform tasks around the Moon without human intervention. The new facility will be home to the Canadarm3 development. 

MDA said this facility will set the company up for success in the space robotics market. The Centre of Excellence will also house a unique Space Robotics Mission Control Centre.

“This new facility will be home to our growing team and will further unlock the potential of our world-class engineering and space mission expertise, while allowing us to bring to market a full suite of innovative commercial space robotics products that leverage Canadarm3 technology,” said Mike Greenley, MDA CEO. 

Construction is underway and the lab is set to be operational by the end of 2022. The Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade is supporting the project with a $25 million grant. 

“Ontario is home to the brightest talent and a thriving innovation ecosystem that make projects with incredible companies like MDA, a global leader in the space robotics industry, possible,” commented Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Today’s investment will strengthen Ontario’s vibrant advanced technology sector, create exciting new jobs and ensure that scientific breakthroughs will continue to be made in our province.”