When one thinks of “Bombardier”, images of snowmobiles, Learjets and rail vehicles come to mind, but this world-class transportation manufacturer has decided to set its sights a little higher.

Last week, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) – a former division of the Bombardier brand which was sold off in 2003 – finalized a $5.6 million contract to develop propulsion systems for the Lunar Exploration Light Rover and the Mars Exploration Science Rover, an undertaking which will be jointly funded by BRP, the federal government and the province of Québec.

Most of the research and testing will be conducted at the Université de Sherbrooke.  This exciting project will put Bombardier into space for the first time and will become the first non-consumer, non-recreational product developed by the company. BRP received the sub-contract to work on the rover prototypes from MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. – the famed Canadian company behind the Canadarm – who kick-started this space project last year,

The prototypes will be constructed from state-of-the-art aluminum alloys with electric battery-powered propulsion systems, and the Mars rover will be powered by solar energy.  All vehicles will possess the ability to integrate hydrogen fuel cells, which will provide an added level of efficiency and reliability.

There is no timeline as to when the rovers will be complete but a spokesperson for the Université de Sherbrooke told the Windsor Star that the machines will be the “first in a line” of experimental prototypes, with an aim towards creating a series of “workable rovers” in 10-12 years’ time.

Canada has always been a world leader in space exploration and technology, and we’re happy to learn that BRP is carrying on this proud tradition.

Click here to learn more about BRP and to read the company’s official press release on the rover projects.