Canada is about to embark on an exciting lunar adventure with its first-ever rover, and you have the unique opportunity to help choose its name! The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is asking global participants to vote for their favorite name from a list of semi-finalist options. The contest runs until December 20, so don’t miss your chance to leave your mark on history!

Scheduled for launch no earlier than 2026, this rover is part of Canada’s ambitious lunar exploration efforts. Canada's partnership with NASA in the Artemis program marks a significant milestone as it aims to return astronauts to the moon by the end of the decade. Notably, CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen has been selected for Artemis 2 – a crucial mission that is set to orbit the moon as early as next year in preparation for upcoming landing missions.

The CSA explains that “Humanity is going back to the moon, and Canada is part of this exciting journey.” The Canadian rover is destined to explore the moon's south pole, where it will not only test cutting-edge technologies but also gather vital scientific data and search for water in the form of ice—a key resource for future lunar habitation.

The rover project was first announced in 2021 and will be constructed by Canadensys Aerospace, a prominent company from the Toronto area. Beyond the rover, Canada's lunar initiatives include plans for a lunar cart designed to assist astronauts on the moon's surface and the Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program (LEAP), which funds scientific payloads for future missions.

Perhaps the crown jewel of Canada’s contributions to the Artemis program is the Canadarm3, an advanced robotic arm set to operate at NASA’s future Gateway space station orbiting the moon. This technology, developed by Canadian company MDA Space, is expected to play a critical role in ongoing lunar exploration.

List of Potential Names

The CSA has curated an exciting list of potential names for the rover, each with its own significance:

1. Athabasca

Named after the river that flows from Alberta to Lake Athabasca, highlighting Canada’s rich waterways and the cultural heritage they represent.

2. Courage

Symbolizing bravery and dedication, this name reflects the extensive work and innovation that have contributed to Canada's development of rover technology over two decades.

3. Glacier

Emphasizing the rover's mission to seek water ice on the moon, this name pays homage to Canada’s majestic glaciers, which are vital to its northern landscape.

4. Pol-R

A creative twist on “Polar,” this name reflects both the rover’s lunar landing site near the south pole and Canada’s own northern territories.

Participating in this naming contest is a thrilling way to engage with Canada’s explorative efforts in space. As humanity reaches for the stars, Canada is declaring its place in the cosmos—will you help define its first lunar ambassador?

Join the conversation on space exploration and be part of the excitement as we look towards a new era of discovery on the moon!