Canada, Dec. 17 -- ABB has been awarded a contract by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to develop the concept for an Autonomous Lunar Exploration Infrared Spectrometer (ALExIS) for Canada's Lunar Utility Rover. Canada is developing a versatile utility rover to contribute to Moon exploration efforts led by space agencies around the world. As part of the contract, ABB engineers will adapt the company's Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) technology, currently deployed in 24/7 industrial operations worldwide, to the specific lunar environment and application.ALEXiS will be designed to collect the spectral fingerprint of molecules from the edge of the visual range to the thermal infrared range.Beneath the dusty regolith powder coat of...