The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has launched an exciting naming competition for its first-ever lunar rover, set to explore the moon's mysterious south polar region. This mission aims to search for water ice and investigate unique geological features, marking a significant milestone for Canada in space exploration.

As a planetary geologist and principal investigator for the rover mission, I am thrilled to be part of this ground-breaking project, especially as we prepare for the upcoming Artemis III mission – the first human voyage to the moon in over 50 years since the Apollo era.

An Unprecedented Journey

This initiative, nearly two years in the making since Canadensys Aerospace Corporation was chosen to develop the rover, is not only Canada’s first rover mission to the moon but also the first Canadian-led expedition to another celestial body. While Canadian technology has previously contributed to missions led by other countries, this marks a historic moment as we take the lead in lunar exploration.

Backed by seven Canadian companies and university partnerships across the country, our team exemplifies a spirit of collaboration crucial to advancing scientific knowledge. Notably, we are working alongside several international experts, including scientists from the United States and the United Kingdom, and a key instrument for our rover is provided by NASA’s Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, facilitating a reciprocal partnership.

What's in a Name?

A name is crucial for every mission, and CSA has proposed four inspirational options for the Canadian rover: - Athabasca: An homage to a significant Canadian river, symbolizing pathways of discovery. - Courage: Reflecting the bravery and innovation that have led to this monumental mission. - Glacier: Highlighting the connection to Canada’s polar regions and the mission’s goal to seek water ice. - Pol-R: A clever nod to the rover's southern lunar polar destination.

Canadian citizens can vote for their preferred name online until December 20, 2024.

Facing the Challenges Ahead

As we eagerly await the public's choice, our team continues to work rigorously on the rover's design and functionality. This mission will take us to the harsh lunar south pole, a location characterized by extreme cold, where temperatures can plummet to below -200°C during long, dark nights that last 14 Earth days. Our compact rover, approximately the size of a small coffee table and weighing just 35 kilograms, must be equipped with six sophisticated science instruments to endure this challenging environment.

Recently, I updated attendees at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy, about our mission's key scientific objectives, which include: 1. Exploring an untouched geological region of the moon. 2. Searching for water ice, a crucial resource for future lunar missions. 3. Studying radiation levels in preparation for human return to the moon.

Canada’s Ongoing Commitment to Space Exploration

Canada's journey in space robotics spans over two decades, creating prototypes that pave the way for this ambitious lunar endeavor. Had there not been delays in the European Space Agency’s ExoMars mission, Canada would have already been operating rovers on Mars. However, we are gearing up for a bright future, with plans to develop a larger moon utility vehicle as outlined in the 2023 federal budget, which will support scientific investigations and assist astronauts on the lunar surface.

As we embark on this exciting journey towards cosmic discovery, we invite everyone to participate in naming our inaugural lunar rover and share in the pride of representing Canada on the moon!