ABB to design lunar soil analyzer for Canadian Space Agency's Moon rover
MWN-AI** Summary
ABB, a global technology leader in electrification and automation, has been awarded a contract by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to design an innovative infrared spectrometer named the Autonomous Lunar Exploration Infrared Spectrometer (ALExIS) for Canada's Lunar Utility Rover. This advanced instrument aims to analyze lunar soil to better understand its chemical composition and assess the resources that could support human presence on the Moon.
Utilizing ABB's existing Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) technology, which has proven reliable in industrial applications for over 22 years, ALExIS will adapt to the harsh lunar environment. The instrument will collect spectral data from the lunar soil across various infrared ranges, revealing the presence of crucial elements like oxygen, silicon, iron, and water ice that are essential for sustaining human life.
As the Lunar Utility Rover embarks on its mission, ALExIS will conduct rover-based prospection, a vital step in lunar exploration. By mapping the distribution of key elements within the lunar regolith, scientists will gain comprehensive insights into the Moon’s geology and environment. ABB emphasizes the collaborative nature of this project, working closely with lunar experts to ensure the instrument meets operational requirements for successful data collection and analysis.
Marc Corriveau, General Manager for ABB’s Measurement & Analytics division in Canada, expressed pride in contributing to lunar exploration, underscoring the role of ABB's technology in advancing knowledge about extraterrestrial environments. This project not only showcases ABB’s commitment to innovation in space technologies but also highlights its extensive experience in optical instrumentation, underscoring the company’s ability to support global space exploration initiatives.
MWN-AI** Analysis
ABB’s recent contract with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) for the development of the Autonomous Lunar Exploration Infrared Spectrometer (ALExIS) positions the company at the forefront of lunar exploration and bodes well for its long-term market potential. By leveraging its proven Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) technology, ABB aims to deliver insights into the Moon’s soil composition, revealing critical elements necessary to sustain human presence.
Investors should view this initiative as a strategic move that aligns with the increasing global focus on space exploration and extraterrestrial resource utilization. ABB’s expertise in high-precision analytical instruments, already validated in industrial applications, suggests a high likelihood of success in adapting this technology for lunar use. The emphasis on close collaboration with rover experts underscores ABB's commitment to ensuring practical and effective application of ALExIS in the harsh lunar environment, potentially enhancing its market reliability.
The lunar utility rover represents an essential step in broader Moon exploration efforts, providing ABB with a unique opportunity to expand its footprint in the aerospace sector. The underlying need for sustainable lunar resource utilization creates avenues for future contracts and partnerships, further diversifying ABB’s revenue streams. The combination of an increasing focus on environmental sustainability and advancement in space technologies positions ABB favorably in a rapidly evolving market.
However, investors should remain cautious of the inherent risks associated with space projects, including technological challenges and the uncertainty of return on investment. Continuous funding and successful mission execution will be critical metrics to watch in the coming years. Consequently, while ABB’s innovation demonstrates promising potential, a diversified investment approach considering market volatility in the space sector may be prudent.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
- ABB will develop the concept for a unique version of its infrared spectrometer for Canada’s Lunar Utility Rover
- The instrument would analyze the soil's chemical composition in an effort to assess to what extent lunar resources can sustain human presence
- The rover will gather data that will allow scientists to better understand the lunar geology and environment
QUÉBEC CITY, Dec. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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.
Beneath 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.
“We are extremely proud to be a part of this important next chapter of lunar exploration,” said Marc Corriveau, General Manager for ABB’s Measurement & Analytics division, Canada. “Our FTIR analytical technology has delivered reliable, high-precision results in demanding industrial environments on Earth, and now it can provide the same level of performance contributing to the exploration of the Moon.”
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 our 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 imager, 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, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
ABB’s Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~26,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. go.abb/automation
| — For more information please contact: | ||
| Media Relations Olga Apostolova Phone: +47 468 18 096 Email: [email protected] | ABB Ltd Affolternstrasse 44 8050 Zurich Switzerland |
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1ef2504e-c576-460a-aef4-6313aea1a896
FAQ**
How will ABB Ltd. ABLZF adapt its FTIR technology to meet the unique challenges of the lunar environment, specifically for the ALExIS instrument aboard Canada’s Lunar Utility Rover?
What specific chemical elements will ALExIS focus on identifying in lunar soil to assess resource sustainability for human presence, as part of ABB Ltd. ABLZF’s ongoing lunar exploration efforts?
Can you elaborate on the collaboration between ABB Ltd. ABLZF and lunar exploration experts in developing the operational concepts for the ALExIS?
What are the anticipated cost-performance metrics for the ALExIS project, and how will ABB Ltd. ABLZF measure its success in contributing to lunar exploration?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about ABB Ltd. (OTC: ABLZF).
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