MDA Space Ltd. has been awarded a $1-billion contract with the Canadian Space Agency for the next phases of the Canadarm3 robotics system.

With its global headquarters based in Brampton, Ontario, MDA is building the Canadarm3 which will be used aboard Gateway, a collaboration headed by NASA to establish a space station in lunar orbit.

Gateway is a crucial part of NASA’s Artemis program to return astronauts to the moon.

The contract includes funding for the final design phase as well as construction, system assembly, integration and test of the complete robotics system.

It will involve a large arm, a smaller dexterous arm, specialized tools for performing maintenance and science tasks, as well as a ground segment for command and control.

The contract will also encompass planning and personnel training in preparation for on-orbit mission operations.