Unlocking Innovation: The MDA Space DREAMR Lab

Imagine the ability to explore space at your fingertips, where you can defy gravity and complete spacewalks all from the comfort of your office. Welcome to the MDA Space Dynamic Robotic Emulation and Mixed Reality (DREAMR) Lab, a zero-gravity immersive training and testing facility at the MDA Space HQ that’s pushing the boundaries of space exploration and infrastructure with mixed and virtual reality.

One of the key challenges in space is visualizing and replicating the complexities of on-orbit operations. The DREAMR Lab tackles these challenges head-on by leveraging robotic emulation technology with mixed virtual reality to create immersive environments that simulate space infrastructure. For example, the DREAMR team can simulate spacewalks on NASA’s upcoming Gateway Space Station 400,000 km from Earth, in addition to simulating Canadarm3 operations. This capacity to visualize and interact with on-orbit scenarios in a realistic way has been praised by astronauts for its accuracy and realism in bringing the space domain to Earth.

With the help of a gravity offload system, a variety of mixed virtual reality offerings, and robotic emulation systems, which mimic the behaviour of MDA Space’s robotic designs and the payloads they interact with in space, the team can test and refine robotics hardware and operations in a simulated zero-gravity environment. This approach allows for the identification of potential issues, optimization of performance, and data-driven decision making for outer space operations. This results in a symphony of innovation, where holographic arms move in tandem with robotic limbs. This blend of technology and human ingenuity is revolutionizing the way we approach space exploration and infrastructure, making it more efficient, cost-effective, and accessible.

At the heart of the DREAMR Lab is a team of engineers who are empowered to think creatively and develop innovative solutions for complex problems. This approach has enabled the team to improve quickly and refine their ideas, resulting in unique solutions that address real-world challenges in space exploration. The lab’s innovative environment has already led to notable success, including supporting the development of the first operational MDA SKYMAKER™ prototype, which is currently being used by our customer Lunar Outpost on their Lunar Terrain Vehicle for field testing and demonstrations.

But the DREAMR Lab’s impact doesn’t stop there. It has quickly become a valuable resource for our internal teams, specifically when supporting customer demonstrations. The DREAMR Lab plays a key role in validating and demonstrating the effectiveness of MDA Space solutions for specific customer applications, providing a tangible and interactive way for clients to experience our technology. This unique capability has been instrumental in supporting new business opportunities, such as our recent autonomous lunar rover and commercial low Earth orbit (LEO) robotics demonstrations.

The DREAMR Lab is also making space more accessible to the next generation of innovators. MDA Space students and young engineers can explore the inner workings of space technology, test prototypes, and develop new skills in a safe and controlled environment. By providing hands-on experience, the lab’s immersive environment allows aspiring space engineers to experience on-orbit scenarios in a highly realistic and interactive way, helping bridge the gap between theory and practice and prepare them for the demands of their future careers.

The MDA Space DREAMR Lab stands at the forefront of innovation by unlocking new possibilities for space missions and inspiring future space leaders. As the lab continues to advance, it’s expected to play a key role in shaping the future of space exploration and infrastructure by enabling next generation space technologies.