Spar Aerospace Ltd. was a Canadian aerospace and defence company headquartered in Longueuil, Quebec. Established in 1967, the firm originated as a division of de Havilland Canada and later became an independent corporation. Spar specialized in the design, development, and manufacture of advanced aerospace systems, including spacecraft components, satellite platforms, and robotic manipulators.
Major products and programmes
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Canadarm (Shuttle Remote Manipulator System) – Spar designed and built the original Canadarm, a ten‑meter robotic arm used on NASA’s Space Shuttle program from 1981 to 2011. The system was a landmark achievement in Canadian space technology and contributed to numerous satellite deployment and repair missions.
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Canadarm2 (Space Station Remote Manipulator System) – Building on the success of the Canadarm, Spar was a principal contractor for Canadarm2, the larger, more capable robotic arm installed on the International Space Station (ISS). The arm entered service in 2001 and remains a critical element of ISS operations.
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Satellite and spacecraft structures – The company supplied structural components and subsystems for a variety of commercial and government satellites, including Earth‑observation and communications platforms.
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Other robotic and aerospace systems – Spar developed a range of robotic devices for terrestrial and space applications, as well as launch‑vehicle support equipment.
Corporate history
In the 1990s, Spar expanded its activities through acquisitions and partnerships, diversifying into satellite services and advanced materials. In 1999, MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) acquired Spar Aerospace, integrating its space‑robotics expertise into MDA’s broader space‑technology portfolio. The Spar name continued to be used for some time within MDA’s space‑systems division. Subsequent corporate restructurings saw portions of the former Spar business transferred to other entities, including Orbital ATK (now part of Northrop Grumman) and later Maxar Technologies.
Legacy
Spar Aerospace is recognized for its pivotal role in establishing Canada’s reputation in space robotics. The Canadarm and Canadarm2 remain emblematic of Canadian engineering contributions to international space exploration. The company’s technological developments have influenced subsequent generations of robotic manipulators used in both space and industrial environments.