As global interest in lunar exploration continues to accelerate, the sustainable use of lunar resources has emerged as a central focus for space agencies worldwide. In a significant development, ABB, a global leader in industrial technology and digital solutions, has announced that it has secured a contract from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to design and deliver an advanced infrared spectrometer for Canada’s Lunar Utility Rover. The instrument will play a critical role in analyzing the chemical composition of lunar soil, paving the way for future human presence on the Moon.

Under the agreement, ABB will develop a specialized instrument known as the Autonomous Lunar Exploration Infrared Spectrometer (ALExIS). The device will be based on Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, a proven technology that has been widely deployed in continuous, unmanned industrial monitoring systems operating around the clock in harsh environments. This extensive industrial heritage provides a strong technological foundation for adapting the spectrometer to the extreme conditions of the lunar surface.

Why Lunar Soil Analysis Matters

The Moon’s surface is covered by regolith—a fine, powdery layer formed over billions of years through meteorite impacts and space weathering. Scientific research has shown that this regolith contains many elements essential for human survival and industrial activity, including oxygen, silicon, iron, aluminum, calcium, and magnesium. These elements exist in chemical compounds rather than in pure form, and their distribution across the lunar surface is highly uneven.

In recent years, growing evidence has also suggested the presence of water ice in permanently shadowed regions near the lunar poles. This discovery has significantly increased the Moon’s potential as a platform for long-term human habitation. As a result, precise, in-situ analysis of lunar soil has become a cornerstone of modern lunar exploration strategies.

The Capabilities of ALExIS

ALExIS is designed to collect molecular “fingerprints” across a spectral range extending from the edge of visible light into the thermal infrared. By measuring how infrared light interacts with lunar soil, the instrument can identify specific chemical bonds and determine the composition of surface materials.

The resulting data will allow scientists to map the distribution of key elements and compounds across the Moon’s surface. These insights will contribute to a deeper understanding of lunar geology, surface morphology, and resource availability—information that is essential for planning future lunar bases, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), and crewed missions.

Industrial Technology Enters Deep Space

According to Marc Corriveau, Head of Measurement & Analytics Canada at ABB, the company is proud to contribute to a new chapter in lunar exploration. He emphasized that ABB’s FTIR technology has already demonstrated exceptional reliability and precision in demanding industrial environments, and it is now ready to deliver the same level of performance in space exploration applications.

ABB’s engineering teams will work closely with lunar exploration and rover specialists to optimize the design and execution of the instrument. This collaboration will address critical factors such as structural integrity, environmental resilience, power consumption, and data quality. ABB will also support planning for future development phases, ensuring a balanced approach to performance and cost efficiency.

A Strong Track Record in Space

ABB’s involvement in space missions spans decades. One notable example is the FTIR spectrometer installed aboard CSA’s SciSat satellite, which has been operating in orbit for more than 22 years and continues to provide valuable atmospheric data to the international scientific community.

More recently, ABB has explored the application of methane leak detection technologies for Mars exploration, aiming to track potential biosignatures in the planet’s thin atmosphere. Earlier this year, the company also announced a contract with CSA for the TICFIRE imaging instrument, designed to enhance global climate monitoring.

Through the Lunar Utility Rover project, ABB once again demonstrates how mature industrial technologies can be successfully extended into space, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in advanced scientific missions.