Canada has officially unveiled its first lunar rover, which will become part of NASA's Artemis program. Its task will be to search for water ice and measure the level of radiation at the south pole of the Moon. The device must withstand extreme temperature changes from –200°C to +100°C. The launch is planned in 2029 year.
The main challenges for developers are the extreme temperature fluctuations and the complex surface of the Moon. Regolith with sharp particles, known as “sticky saw”, can damage mechanisms and make movement difficult. However, engineers are confident in the reliability of the structure and foresee the systems, able to minimize risks.
From the scientific point of view, the rover has a special value, because the search for water on the moon can become the basis for the future infrastructure of space flights. Water can be split into oxygen and hydrogen, which opens up the prospect of using the moon as a refueling station for long-distance space travel.
To engage the public, The Canadian Space Agency has organized a competition to choose a name for the new rover. The best offers have already been collected, and the winner will be announced soon.
Source: https://saudigazette.com.sa