“It’s really about finding out how we can go further,” said Isabelle Tremblay of the Canadian Space Agency, which plays a big role in the Artemis missions. “It’s really about finding out how we can get to Mars.” Artemis 1 is the first in a series of flights intended to land a base in orbit around the moon, from which crews can then enter the solar system. The mission is to deposit 10 science satellites into lunar orbits, but the main thrust is to test NASA’s new launch system and Orion spacecraft for Artemis 2.

		Read more: NASA ready for Artemis moon launch 50 years after Apollo: Here’s what you need to know

That’s when things get really interesting. Artemis 2, planned for spring 2024, would be the first manned mission to the moon since the last Apollo mission half a century ago. Story continues below ad “There will definitely be a Canadian on the crew,” Tremblay said. Artemis 2 will orbit the moon and the astronauts on Artemis 3 will land on it. But the Artemis missions aim to go beyond Earth’s satellite to build the Lunar Gateway. The small space station orbiting the moon can be used as a launch pad for future missions to Mars and beyond. 5:51 CSA Astronaut Joshua Kutryk participates in Global News Morning prior to Artemis I launch CSA Astronaut Joshua Kutryk participates in Global News Morning prior to Artemis I launch That’s where Canada’s main contribution to the Artemis program will shine. Gateway will feature a third version of the famed robotic Canadarm. The Canadarm 3 will actually offer two arms, meaning one arm will be able to repair the other. It will maintain, repair and inspect the Gateway, intercept visiting vehicles as they pass by, adjust Gateway modules, assist astronauts during spacewalks and assist with scientific measurements. It will operate both remotely from Earth and autonomously, working on its own. Story continues below ad Contributions like the Canadarm are why Canadian scientists and astronauts play such a prominent role in space exploration, Tremblay said. “We always say we punch above our weight.” 3:35 Canada to join moon mission in 2023 Canada to join moon mission in 2023 – December 17, 2020 In addition to Canadarm, Canadian science and technology is behind the machinery aimed at NASA’s new James Webb Space Telescope, which is currently beaming stunning images back to Earth of some of the oldest galaxies in existence. Canada’s contribution to the $10 billion James Webb was $178 million for design and construction, and $16.5 million for science support, until 2021 – and it takes up about 5 percent of the telescope’s viewing time. Canadian science contributes in other ways as well. Scientists and private companies are joining a NASA challenge to create appetizing, healthy food that can be grown in space. Others are pioneering space medicine. Story continues below ad READ MORE: NASA’s DART mission will crash spacecraft into massive asteroid — here’s how you can watch A University of British Columbia experiment on Artemis 1 is to examine the effect deep space radiation might have on yeast and algae cells, which could be grown for both food and fuel. Canadarm 3 is projected to cost a total of $1.9 billion over 24 years. It’s a good investment, Tremblay said. There are technical and scientific spinoffs for those left on Earth. Space exploration can help with challenges like food security and health care, Tremblay said. READ MORE: Buzz Aldrin’s lunar flight jacket sells at auction for $2.8 million Commercial opportunities may also follow. “The moon has become a strategic target,” Tremblay said. “There may be resources that we can use to go further, but there may be resources that are useful to us.” Artemis 1 will be in space for up to 42 days, orbiting the moon and traveling more than two million kilometers. But this will only be the beginning of Artemis’ challenge to the big black. Story continues below ad “The moon is a stepping stone to Mars,” Tremblay said. “It is on the moon that we can learn to go further.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published on August 28, 2022. © 2022 The Canadian Press