Pioneering Industrial Automation in Space Exploration
ABB won a Canadian Space Agency contract to design a lunar soil analysis instrument, extending its industrial automation expertise into space.
ALExIS: Infrared Spectroscopy Adapted for Harsh Environments
The Autonomous Lunar Exploration Infrared Spectrometer (ALExIS) will use ABB’s FT-IR technology, engineered to withstand extreme lunar conditions.
Supporting Canada’s Lunar Utility Rover Mission
Canada’s Lunar Utility Rover will analyze regolith composition. ABB’s instrument enables in situ resource utilization, similar to factory automation efficiency.
Unlocking Lunar Resources Through Advanced Control Systems
Lunar soil contains oxygen, silicon, iron, and magnesium. ALExIS will chemically map these elements, echoing industrial control systems monitoring raw materials.
Industrial Automation Expertise Driving Space Innovation
ABB’s FT-IR instruments already run continuously in industrial automation. Their proven reliability now transitions to lunar exploration.
Collaboration and Cost-Performance Optimization
ABB will work with rover specialists to define operational use cases, reflecting industrial automation practices of optimizing PLC and DCS integration.
ABB’s Global Leadership in Automation and Space Technologies
ABB’s 220 Quebec engineers and 45 optical payloads on 29 satellites reinforce its authority in automation and aerospace innovation.
Application Scenarios and Industry Solutions
- Resource Prospecting: Mapping lunar minerals mirrors raw material monitoring in plants.
- Process Optimization: Spectroscopy data supports mission planning, akin to predictive maintenance.
- Sustainability: In situ resource use reflects automation’s role in reducing waste.