ABB has been awarded a contract by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to develop the concept for an Autonomous Lunar Exploration Infrared Spectrometer (ALExIS) for Canada's Lunar Utility Rover. Canada is developing a versatile utility rover to contribute to Moon exploration efforts led by space agencies around the world. As part of the contract, ABB engineers will adapt the company's Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) technology, currently deployed in 24/7 industrial operations worldwide, to the specific lunar environment and application.
ALEXiS will be designed to collect the spectral fingerprint of molecules from the edge of the visual range to the thermal infrared range.eneath the dusty regolith powder coat of the Moon's surface, the soil contains many of the key elements necessary to sustain human presence - oxygen, silicon, iron, aluminum, calcium, magnesium and even water ice - embedded in chemical compounds and unevenly distributed. Because of this peculiarity of the lunar landscape, rover-based prospection is likely to become a critical phase of Moon exploration. ALExIS will use FTIR spectroscopy to measure how infrared light interacts with the soil, revealing its chemical composition and mapping the distribution of key elements.
This data will provide scientists with vital insights to better understand lunar surface composition and morphology. ABB's team will work in close collaboration with lunar exploration and rover experts to identify the best use-case and concept of operations, a key aspect of product development. In addition, ABB will help lay out the plan for future development phases along with cost-performance metrics.
ABB's interferometers have demonstrated exceptional reliability in the harsh conditions of space and this new contract highlights the continued trust in ABB as a technology leader. A prime example is ABB's FTIR aboard CSA's SciSat satellite, which has been operating for over 22 years, delivering the most comprehensive view of atmosphere from orbit to the international scientific community. More recently, ABB explored a derivative of its methane leak detection technology for the Martian surface with the potential to track biosignatures from the planet's thin atmosphere.
Earlier this year, ABB also announced a contract with the agency for the TICFIRE imaging, which will advance global climate monitoring capabilities. The lunar rover contract reinforces ABB's commitment to innovation and highlights the work of its 220-strong engineering team dedicated to space technologies at ABB's Quebec City facility in Canada. A leader in optical satellite instrumentation, ABB has 45 customer-specific optical payloads orbiting on 29 satellites, providing crucial data for environmental monitoring and scientific research.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, the company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide.
