What is Canada's stake in the future on the moon?

This episode of The Big Story explores Canada's growing role in the future of lunar exploration, centered on the historic Artemis 2 mission. Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen and his crew have become the first humans to fly around the far side of the moon in over 50 years, marking a milestone for Canada’s space program. The mission, while primarily a test of the Orion capsule’s systems, serves as a critical stepping stone toward future crewed landings on the lunar surface—particularly at the strategically vital lunar south pole, where water ice and other resources could fuel long-term human presence. The episode highlights how Canada, through its pioneering robotics expertise (exemplified by the Canadarm), secured a seat on Artemis 2 in exchange for technical contributions. However, recent cancellations of Canada’s lunar rover and orbital station projects have left the country with limited current involvement, prompting private innovation like Nord Space’s upcoming small lunar rover. The discussion also underscores the geopolitical stakes of the new space race between the U.S. and China, with Canada positioning itself as a leader in responsible, collaborative lunar exploration through the Artemis Accords. The episode concludes with a vision of how Canada’s experience with remote communities and resource extraction could inform sustainable lunar habitation. Key takeaways include: Canada’s first deep-space human mission is a historic leap for its space program; the lunar south pole is a high-priority region due to accessible water ice; Canada’s future lunar role depends on renewed investment and innovation; private companies like Nord Space are stepping in to fill gaps left by government cancellations; and sustainable lunar bases will require self-sufficiency, mirroring Canada’s remote community resilience. The episode ends on an optimistic note, emphasizing Canada’s potential to lead in ethical, collaborative space exploration.