Canada Wants Your Help to Name Country’s First Lunar Rover – Here’s How to Vote

Canada is set to make history by sending its first-ever lunar rover to the Moon. Slated for launch no earlier than 2026, the rover will explore the lunar south pole, testing groundbreaking technologies and assisting in the international search for water ice – a vital resource for future human space exploration. But before it ventures to the Moon, it needs a name, and Canadians are invited to decide!

Canada’s first lunar rover: Four Inspiring Names to Choose From

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has narrowed the options to four potential names, each reflecting aspects of Canada’s identity or the mission’s objectives. Voting is open from 20 November to 20 December 2024, with each person allowed only one vote.

The Finalists

Athabasca
Named after a river flowing through Alberta, “Athabasca” originates from a Cree word meaning “grass or reeds here and there.” The name honours Canada’s rich natural heritage and the historical significance of rivers as pathways for exploration and exchange.

Courage
A tribute to the perseverance of Canadian scientists and engineers, “Courage” symbolises the bold spirit that has driven over two decades of advancements in rover technology.

Glacier
A nod to Canada’s icy landscapes and the rover’s mission to search for water in the form of ice, “Glacier” highlights the vital connection between the Moon’s south pole and Canada’s Arctic identity.

Pol-R
A creative twist on “Polar,” this name draws parallels between Canada’s north and the lunar south pole. It reflects Canada’s contributions to polar research and exploration.

Don’t miss your chance to name Canada’s first lunar rover! Submit your vote following the link before 20 December 2024.

Mission Objectives

The rover is being developed by Canadensys Aerospace Corporation in partnership with Canadian industry and academia. Institutions like the University of Alberta, Western University, and companies such as Bubble Technology Industries are contributing to its cutting-edge technology.

The project also builds on Canada’s decades-long expertise in space robotics, including the iconic Canadarm. This marks a significant step in the CSA’s Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program, setting the stage for future lunar exploration and eventual human presence on the Moon.

The lunar rover will be a technology demonstration, testing systems like mobility, navigation, and communication in the harsh lunar environment. Equipped with both Canadian and American scientific instruments, it will gather data to:

• Detect and map water ice using the Lunar Hydrogen Autonomous Neutron Spectrometer (LHANS).
• Assess radiation levels with the Radiation Micro-Dosimeter, crucial for future human missions.
• Analyse minerals and ice with the Multispectral Imager (MSI) and Stereo-Cameras.
• Collect temperature and thermal data with the NASA-provided LAFORGE radiometer.