Canadian Space Agency

CSA to Webcast Chris Hadfield First Post Landing Press Conference (Updated)

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) will webcast Chris Hadfield's first news conference tomorrow since his return from his five month stay on the International Space Station. Users will be able to watch the webcast on the CSA web site if the webcast is not overloaded.

Canadian Space Agency

Canada Appears Unwilling to Pay for Astronaut Access to the Space Station

Today marks the end of one of Canada's astronauts greatest achievements, but also marks the beginning of a long hiatus for Canadian astronauts in space.

Expedition 34/35

Music Monday Showcase with Chris Hadfield and Students Across the Country

A year in the planning and his last public event before returning Earth, astronaut Chris Hadfield today will sing along with students gathered at the Ontario Science Centre for Music Monday. They will perform Is Somebody Singing (I.S.S.), a song Hadfield co-wrote with Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies, which was commissioned by the Coalition for Music Education and CBC Music.

Canadian Space Agency

Original Space Shuttle Canadarm now on display in Ottawa (video)

On May 2, the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, unveiled the permanent Canadarm display at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Chris Hadfield assisted in the inauguration of the exhibit from orbit as Commander of the International Space Station - a role made possible due in part to the contributions of the Canadarm.

Canadian Space Agency

Controlling the ISS

How do you control the International Space Station, a ship the size of five hockey rinks? And from where? CSA Astronaut Chris Hadfield answers these questions from inside the heart of the matter.

Canadian Space Agency

Original Shuttle Canadarm to be Displayed at Museum in Ottawa

Reversing a decision made in 2011 to display the first Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (RMS or 'Canadarm') at its headquarters in St Hubert, the Canadian Space Agency(CSA) has announced that the arm will go on display in Ottawa.

Canadian Space Agency

Critical Canadian Satellites Set for Launch

On Monday morning at 7:26 a.m. EST an Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, India with four Canadian built satellites and three other satellites.

Canadian Space Agency

Gilles Leclerc to be Named Interim President of the Canadian Space Agency

SpaceRef has learned that Gilles Leclerc, who was the Director General, Space Exploration, has been named the interim President of the Canadian Space Agency. Leclerc replaces Steve MacLean who served his last day today.

Canadian Space Agency

NEOSSat Micro-Surveillance Satellite Set to Launch

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) will launch the first space telescope dedicated to discovering and tracking asteroids, monitoring satellites and space debris. The launch is scheduled for February 18th on an Indian rocket.

Canadian Space Agency

Who Replaces Steve MacLean?

Now that Steve MacLean has made the decision to leave the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) after an exemplary 29 year career of which he served 4 1/2 years as President, who replaces him?

Canadian Space Agency

President Steve MacLean to Leave Canadian Space Agency

SpaceRef has learned that Canadian Space Agency President Steve MacLean is leaving the agency to pursue a job with a new venture by Research in Motion's co-founder Mike Lazaridis. The announcement was made today at an all hands meeting at the agency.

Canadian Space Agency

RADARSAT Constellation Mission Funding Announcement Tomorrow

Late today the Canadian Space Agency announced it will hold a press event at MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) office in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue on the West island of Montreal tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. ET. It is expected the government will announce the funding and contract for the delayed RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM).

Canadian Space Agency

CSA Releases 2011 State of the Canadian Space Sector Report

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) released it's annual State of the Canadian Space Sector Report earlier this month with its usual lack of notification. The report was supposedly released on December 3rd just days after the Aerospace Review report was released and just a couple of days before the Aerospace Summit. The question is why didn't the CSA issue a press release about the report?

Canadian Space Agency

MacLean Signals RADARSAT Constellation Mission Build Phase Approval

This past week Canadian Space Agency President Steve MacLean signalled that the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) will proceed to the next phase, the build phase, and that contracts are forthcoming.

Canadian Space Agency

Video: Canada's 50 Years in Space

The Canadian Space Agency has released this video to commemorate Canada's 50 years in space and shows a timeline of milestones starting with the launch of Canada's first satellite in 1962, Alouette 1.

Canadian Space Agency

First Tests of Balloon Launches From Timmins Successful

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the French space agency (Centre national d'tudes spatiales or CNES) successfully completed a series of tests for the first trial launch of a stratospheric balloon scheduled for 2013. The tests took place from September 10-13 at the proposed launch site is in Timmins, Ontario.

Canadian Space Agency

CSA Invites Young Canadians To Design Space Experiment For Chris Hadfield To Perform on the ISS

Young Canadians have been invited to design an experiment for Chris Hadfield to perform in space on the International Space Station (ISS). Called the Canadian Science Challenge, it is an effort by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to inspire young people to pursue careers in science and technology.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Scientists Share Their Thoughts as the Curiosity Rover is Set to Land on Mars

Canada is playing an integral role as part of the Mars Science Laboratory mission and the Curiosity Rover which will attempt landing on the Red planet early Monday morning at 1:31 a.m. EDT (10:31 p.m. PDT). On board the rover is an Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) Canada contributed. The APXS determines the elemental chemistry of rocks and soils using alpha particles and X-rays.

Canadian Space Agency

CSA Seeking Contributions for UN Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities (Podcast)

The Canadian Space Agency wants Canadians to provide input that it can then take back to the United Nations (UN) COPUOS Working Group on the LongTerm Sustainability of Outer Space Activities. That was the message Jean-Marc Chouinard outlined at a presentation to the Canadian Space Commerce Association in the first public meeting on this topic.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadarm Heads Home but How Many Canadians Will See It?

A year after the last Shuttle flight an iconic piece of Canadian hardware, the Canadarm from the orbiter Endeavour, has left the Kennedy Space Center and is on its way to the MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) Brampton facility to be "sanitized and refurbished". Once that is complete, the Canadarm will go on display at the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) headquarters in St. Hubert, Quebec just south of Montreal sometime in November. The question is, how many Canadians will see it?

Canadian Space Agency

Canada's CASSIOPE Satellite Nearing Liftoff

The long delayed flight of the Canadian satellite CASSIOPE is one step closer with the successful Merlin 1D engine test firing recently completed by SpaceX.

Canadian Space Agency

Robotic Space Station Handyman Dextre Set for Next Challenging Task

This animation gives an overview of the next operations for the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM), scheduled for June 19-21, 2012. A collaboration between NASA and the Canadian Space Agency, the Robotic Refueling Mission is an experiment on the exterior of the International Space Station that uses Dextre, the Station's Canadian-built robotic handyman, to test the technologies, tools and techniques that could be used to service and refuel satellites in orbit, especially those not built to be refurbished. The mission showcases the most intricate work ever performed by a robot in space.

Canadian Space Agency

Canada and France to Launch Research Balloons From Timmins

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and France's space agency, CNES (Centre national d'tudes spatiales) announced that they will jointly launch research balloons into the stratosphere from Timmins, Ontario, starting in 2013.

Canadian Space Agency

MacLean Highlights Northern Challenges

Recently Canadian Space Agency President Steve MacLean delivered the keynote speech for the 2012 Canadian Hydrographic Conference in Niagara Falls. The theme touched on the challenges for Canada in dealing with a warmer Arctic where the Northwest Passage could be clear of ice during summer within 25 years.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadarm to be Used to Capture and Berth SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft

After its successful launch yesterday atop the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the Dragon spacecraft is currently in orbit making its way for a rendezvous with the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday morning at 8:06 a.m. at a distance of 2.5 km below the ISS. At that time, and before the capture and berthing take place, the Dragon spacecraft will perform a series of tests before it is allowed to approach the ISS.

Canadian Space Agency

RADARSAT Constellation Mission Costs Jump 67%

According to an Ottawa Citizen article published yesterday the projected costs of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) have jumped from $600 million to over $1 billion . The report with the current costs was obtained by the Citizen under the Access to Information law.

Canadian Space Agency

International Polar Year 2012 Speech by Steve MacLean - Strategic Infrastructure Theme Mentioned Again

Last Monday, April 23rd, Canadian Space Agency President Steve MacLean was the guest luncheon speaker at the International Polar Year 2012 conference being held in Montreal. Below is the transcript of that speech. Of note, MacLean once again referred to some of Canada's current and possible future satellites as "part of that (Canada) strategic infrastructure".

Canadian Space Agency

Former Canadian Space Agency President Receives John H. Chapman Award of Excellence

At the annual Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute (CASI) meeting being held in Quebec City this week, the Canadian Space Agency honoured former Canadian Space Agency President William 'Mac' Evans with the John H. Chapman Award of Excellence.

Canadian Space Agency

A Conversation with the Canadian Space Agency's Chummer Farina

SpaceRef had the opportunity for a brief conversation with Chummer Farina at the 28th National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. Mr. Farina is vice-president of policy, external and government relations, communications and public affairs at the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Our discussion revolved around the current status of the Canadian Space Agency and some of the milestones being celebrated in 2012 by Canada as a space nation.

Canadian Space Agency

Canada and Japan Sign Memorandum for Promotion of Space Cooperation

On his latest stop in Japan as part of an Asian tour promoting all things Canadian, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced several initiatives with the Japanese government that includes a new Canada-Japan Memorandum for Promotion of Space Cooperation.

Canadian Space Agency

Canada Commits to the International Space Station Beyond 2015

The government announced today that Canada intends to renew its commitment to the International Space Station(ISS) beyond 2015. Minister of Industry Christian Paradis made the announcement in Quebec City where the ISS Heads of Agency meeting is currently taking place. The news was expected but it took some time for Canada to commit, making it the last of the other participating nations to do so.

Canadian Space Agency

CSA President MacLean Makes the Case for Canada in Space (Part 4)

Commercial Satellites

So, now another metric on this that we are doing well, in that we are a country that drives innovation with our programmatic spending, is the fact that on four out of five commercial satellites in the world, there are Canadian components. And that is probably one of the best metrics that we can give about our success and about how we are driving innovation.

Canadian Space Agency

CSA President MacLean Makes the Case for Canada in Space (Part 3)

The International Space Station

Now speaking of importance, let's look at ISS, the International Space Station. You know this is - perhaps the most important aspect of the ISS is the fact that 18 countries can work together on something that is so amazing. It's the most complex international project that has ever been conceived of and executed and it involved Canada, Russia, US and Japan and several countries from the European Space Agency.

Canadian Space Agency

CSA President MacLean Makes the Case for Canada in Space (Part 2)

So suddenly and perhaps unexpectedly Canada became a space-faring nation. Yet we are very different from the two rivals that were involved in space. We lacked the resources. We lacked the population and of course we lacked that air experience or at least it appeared we lacked the experience. And to a large extent the Soviet Union and the United States went to space because they could. But in our case, we went to space because we had to. And the reason for that is simple. Canada is the second-largest country in the world. We have the largest continuous coastline in the world. We are a country that's bounded by coast to coast to coast. It was very important to get vehicles into orbit so that we could monitor our vast territory. And in 1962 Canada was largely undeveloped. I mean it's still in a way true today. Places were hard to reach. It's sparsely populated. You know above 70 degrees we only have 5,000 people. And our climate is as challenging then - was as challenging then as it is today. So it's impossible to observe our territory and communicate effectively at ground level. We had to go into space and this puts our safety and security at risk. It makes it difficult to predict the weather or to monitor the movement of ships in our icy waters, those kinds of things that we can do today.

Canadian Space Agency

CSA President MacLean Makes the Case for Canada in Space (Part 1)

At the recent American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) meeting held in Vancouver, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Steve MacLean gave a talk titled International S&T (Science and Technology) Collaboration. MacLean did a good job of recounting Canada's entry into space and the many accomplishments Canada has. He also made a few pointed remarks. In this multi-part article we publish the transcript of MacLean's speech for everyone to read. But first a little background.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Astronaut Julie Payette, Perspectives from Space

Canadian Space Agency astronaut Julie Payette delivers a lecture entitled Canadian Space Agency Perspectives from Space: Research and Diplomacy at the opening weekend of the Stephen Hawking Centre at the Perimeter Institute September 18, 2011.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Program Targets the Moon for Human Exploration

Canada is targeting the moon as its next step for human exploration. While this is not a new objective more details are available after NASA hosted the Human Exploration Workshop as part of the Global Exploration Roadmap.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency Requests Proposals To Display Canadarm At St. Hubert Headquarters

A Request For Proposal (RFP) was released this week by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) that will result in the display of the Canadian-built Canadarm which flew on the space shuttle Endeavour at its headquarters in St Hubert Qubec.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadarm Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary

Thirty years ago this month, Canada's contribution to the US manned spaceflight program flew on its first mission. The (Space) Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS) flew on the second space shuttle mission, STS-2 and was tested on the second day of the flight - November 13, 1981

Canadian Space Agency

The Canadian Space Agency Prepares for Possible Budget Cuts

The Canadian Space Agency is preparing for a possible budget cut, one which could significantly affect the agency. The possible cut comes as no surprise. After all, the government has indicated many times this year that cuts to all departments were possible. What was not expected is the possible size of the cuts.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency Releases State of the Canadian Space Sector for 2010

The Canadian Space Agency released its 2010 State of the Canadian Space Sector Report yesterday. The report indicates that revenues in the sector were up 14% over the 2009 and reached $3.4 billion and that 692 new positions were added to the sector, an increase of 9.2%.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency Invests In Exploration Ideas

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has awarded six contracts to four organizations to develop concept studies in areas related to future space exploration ventures. The studies are part of the CSA's strategy to invest in emerging ideas that could become Canada's next revolutionary technologies, like a high resolution Canadian-led space telescope; robots to remove space debris and tune-up ailing satellites; an instrument to measure the composition of the atmosphere of planets; and a device that measures radiation exposure more accurately.

Canadian Space Agency

New Canadian Astronauts Complete Basic Training

Canada's two newest astronauts, Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques, have now completed their two year basic training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Canadian Space Agency

David Saint-Jacques Astronaut Training

Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques during basic spacewalking skills training in the Johnson Space Center Neutral Buoyancy Lab pool on July 6, 2011. (Credit NASA)

Canadian Space Agency

Jeremy Hansen Astronaut Training Part 2

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen during basic spacewalking skills training in the Johnson Space Center Neutral Buoyancy Lab pool on. April 22, 2011. (Credit NASA)

Canadian Space Agency

Jeremy Hansen Astronaut Training Part 1

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen during basic spacewalking skills training in the Johnson Space Center Neutral Buoyancy Lab pool on. April 22, 2011. (Credit NASA)

Canadian Space Agency

Dextre the Handyman Robot Gets a Servicing Call

Canada's robotic handyman on the International Space Station, Dextre, performed his first repair task on August 28th and 29th. A faulty circuit breaker was in need of being swapped out.

Canadian Space Agency

The CSA: Inventing Tomorrow's Technology

A look at five areas of space exploration where Canadian ingenuity has come to the forefront - Robotics, Rovers, Drilling, Vision Systems and Electric Power - to pave the way for benefits here and now on Earth as well as in the future. (Source: Canadian Space Agency)

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency to Host 9th Edition of Educators Conference

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is holding its annual Educators Space Conference this week for 150 educators from across Canada in what has become a very popular event as evidenced by a waiting list of educators wanting to attend.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadarm2 Installs Robotic Refueling Mission Hardware

The crew of Atlantis (STS-135) uses Canadarm2 to install the hardware for Dextre's Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM). (Credit: NASA/CSA).

Canadian Space Agency

CSA Extends Deadline for Exploration Core Concept Studies

The Canadian Space Agency has extended the deadline for the the Exploration Core Concept Studies from August 10th to August 23rd.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency President Steve MacLean's Reflects on Space Shuttle Program

With the final launch of the shuttle program Canadian Space Agency President Steve MacLean, himself a former astronaut who flew on Atlantis, offered the following message on the 30 year old program as it comes to a close.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency to fund Exploration Core Concept Studies

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has released a public tender to fund up to six contracts worth a total of $1.5 million for concept studies related to its Exploration Core program. Proposals are due by August 10th and selected bidders will have approximately six months to complete their studies.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian LIDAR to be a Part of NASA's OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission

[Updated] NASA today announced that the Origins-Spectral Interpretation-Resource Identification-Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx mission was the winner of NASA's third mission in its New Frontiers Program. It was one of three finalists. Regardless of which mission was going to be selected Canada was participating in all three. Canada's contribution will be a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system that the Canadian Space Agency will contract out to MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) in partnership with Optech.

Canadian Space Agency

Christian Paradis to Become Industry Minister Responsible for Canadian Space Agency

The CBC is reporting that current Natural Resources Minister Christian Paradis will take over the Industry portfolio which includes the Canadian Space Agency.

Canadian Space Agency

Endeavour's Canadarm Headed to Ottawa Museum UPDATED

According to a Canadian Press story the decision as to where the Canadarm will be located was made some time ago and that the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum was selected. Before the Canadarm can go on display though it still has one mission left with a scheduled launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour next Monday.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency Opens up New Exhibit and Holds its First Tweetup

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum will host two Canadian Space Agency (CSA) events this week including the agency's first Tweetup. On Thursday, Canadian astronauts will help inaugurate the Living in Space Exhibit while on Friday there will be a question and answer session with students and Tweetup participants.

Canadian Space Agency

Astronaut Chris Hadfield Reflects on Space Shuttle Endeavour's Last Flight

Kennedy Space Center - One day before the Space Shuttle Endeavour is scheduled to launch on her final mission, veteran Canadian astronaut and future commander of the International Space Station Chris Hadfield reflects on his mission he flew on Endeavour on STS-100.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadarm2 10th Anniversary Q&A with the Canadian Space Agency

On the 10th anniversary of the launch to the International Space Station (ISS) on the Space Shuttle Endeavour of Canadarm2, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Steve MacLean and veteran astronaut Chris Hadfield reflected and answered questions from the media through a webcast.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadarm2: Canada's Continuing Legacy in Space

Today Canada celebrates the 10th anniversary of the deployment of the Canadarm2 on the International Space Station. In this video Canadian astronauts share their insights and reflections on the significance of Canadarm2's continuing legacy.

Canadian Space Agency

The ISS Expedition 27 Crew Pay Tribute to Canadarm2

On the eve of Canadarm2's 10-Year anniversary, the Expedition 27 crew, consisting of cosmonauts Dmitry Kondratyev, Alexander Samokutyaev and Andrey Borisenko, NASA astronauts Cady Coleman and Ron Garan, and ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli taped this tribute message from space. (Credit: NASA-CSA)

Canadian Space Agency

Canadarm2: A Decade of Innovation and Excellence

The celebrated, ongoing story of Canadarm2 told from the perspective of the employees at the Canadian Space Agency. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)

Canadian Space Agency

ISS Program Manager Mike Suffredini Reflects on Canadarm2's 10 Years of Success

Mike Suffredini, Program Manager of the International Space Station, reflects on the success of Canada's signature technology.

Canadian Space Agency

NASA Orbiter Endeavour Canadarm Coming Home

The CBC is reporting that one of the Canadian designed and built Canadarm's from the orbiter Endeavour will be coming home after its final mission slated to launch on April 29.

Space Policy

Canada as a Facilitator for US-China Space Relations

Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Steve MacLean is in China to for exploratory meetings on future possible cooperation between the countries. Last week he visited the China National Space Administration (CNSA) where he met with CNSA Administrator Chen Qiufa. He also met Zheng Guoguang, Administrator of the China Meteorological Administration. After his visit to China MacLean will visit Russia to participate in the commemorative ceremony scheduled for April 12th on the 50th anniversary of humanities first flight into space by Russia's Yuri Gagarin. The visit to China comes at a time when US-China space relations are in flux as some members of congress, mostly republicans, oppose cooperation with China. According to Wade Huntley, a Senior Lecturer at the Naval Postgraduate School there is an opportunity for Canada to be a facilitator between US-China space relations.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency Ramps up Capacity Building Efforts

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) this week released an Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for a Cluster Pilot as part of their efforts to increase capacity building in their space science and technology segment. Funding for the AO is estimated at $2.25 million over three years for up to five cluster projects selected with a maximum of $450,000 per project.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency Funds New Research on Nanomedicine and Regenerative Medicine

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) announced yesterday that they are providing $16 million in new funding for seven new research projects on regenerative medicine and nanomedicine.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency Announces 1st Workshop on Orbital Debris

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has announced the 1st Canadian Workshop on Orbital Debris to be held June 21-22 at the Canadian Space Agency conference centre in St-Hubert. The announcement follows the announcement last fall that the CSA became a full member of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC).

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency Budget to Increase 8.7% Comment

The government announced this morning that the federal budget will be tabled on March 22nd. At that time it is expected that the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) will receive an increase in it's budget by 8.7%, this according to the National Post.

Canadian Space Agency

Growth in Space Utilization to Benefit Canadians

He didn't once mention the term "geomatics," but that is certainly what Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Steve MacLean was referencing when he said that data obtained about the Earth from space "now has the precision to contribute meaningfully to Earth based activities" such as resource tracking, mining, farming and industry. MacLean made the comment during his keynote address at the University of Toronto Space Program on March 1st.

Canadian Space Agency

Shuttle Discovery Go For Launch with Canadian Experiments

NASA mission managers met yesterday morning and gave space shuttle Discovery a GO for launch today at 4:50 p.m. eastern. The mission is a key one for the International Space Station and for Canada it's an opportunity to conduct research and bring back experiments from the International Space Station.

Canadian Space Agency

CSA Releases 2009 State of the Canadian Space Sector Report - Revenues & Jobs Up

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) today released their annual State of the Canadian Space Sector Report. The report which covers 2009 is compiled from data gathered in the spring of the following year, analyzed and then usually released in late November. However this years' report was delayed over two months*. Two of the key points in the report are that revenues increased by 8% over 2008 to $3.025 billion and surpassing the $3 billion mark for the first time and that growth in the workforce was strong.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadarm2 helps Japanese Kounotori to Berth with Space Station

An autonomous Japanese resupply ship, the "Kounotori"2 H-2B Transfer Vehicle (HTV2 ), was captured and berthed to the Earth-facing port of the Harmony module of the International Space Station Jan. 27, 2011.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency and European Space Agency Renew Cooperation Agreement

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) renewed their cooperative agreement today for another 10 years building upon a unique relationship that has benefited Canada and the European Union. The agreement signed in Paris earlier today by Steve MacLean, President of the Canadian Space Agency and Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General of ESA means the two agencies can continue foster cooperation in space science and technology.

Canadian Space Agency

CSA Becomes a Full Member of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) announced today that is has been accepted as a full member of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC). The committee is a forum for the coordination of activities related to the issues of man-made and natural debris in space.

Canadian Space Agency

Col. Chris Hadfield in the Soyuz Simulator

Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Chris Hadfield gives us a rare look inside the Soyuz simulator in Star City, Russia. Hadfield is training for his upcoming long-duration mission on board the International Space Station (ISS). Set to launch aboard a Soyuz rocket in December 2012, Chris will become the first Canadian Commander of the ISS during the second half of Expedition 34/35.

Canadian Space Agency

Col. Chris Hadfield Trains on a Supersonic Jet

CSA Astronaut Chris Hadfield pilots a T-38 - a supersonic jet trainer - flying from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to Houston, Texas. The T-38 is NASA's primary aircraft for astronaut training. Hadfield is training for his third space mission scheduled for December of 2012. He will become the first Canadian to command the International Space Station.

Canadian Space Agency

Space Shuttle Discovery Set to Launch with Canadian Research

Kennedy Space Center - NASA mission managers will meet today at 2:30 pm EDT to decide whether to proceed with a launch attempt tomorrow of the space shuttle Discovery. The mission is a key one for the International Space Station and for Canada it's an opportunity to conduct research and bring back experiments from the International Space Station.

Exploration Core Program

An Overview of the Canadian Space Agency Exploration Core Program Comments

At the recent 61st International Astronautical Congress in Prague, Jean-Claude Piedboeuf, Head of Exploration Planning at the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), provided an overview of Canada's preparatory exploration activities. While Canada has been involved in exploration activities for 25 years with its contributions in robotics, science and astronaut core, it wasn't until 2007 that the CSA created the Exploration Core Program to unify the activities within the agency.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency in Negotiations for Future Launch Access to the Space Station

This week's news that veteran Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield was going to be the first Canadian to command the International Space Station while spending six months onboard also meant that Canada has used up its last available contracted launch seat to the International Space Station (ISS). And since Canada has no launch capability of its own, it is now in negotiation to secure launch access to the International Space Station for future astronaut flights.

Canadian Space Agency

Veteran Astronaut Chris Hadfield Selected as Space Station Expedition 35 Commander

The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology) announced today at the Canadian Space Agency headquarters that veteran astronaut Chris Hadfield will be Canada's first Commander of the International Space Station and only the second Canadian astronaut to participate in a six month long duration mission aboard the International Space Station. Robert Thirsk was the first Canadian to spend six month on the International Space Station.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency to Announce Milestone Astronaut Mission Tomorrow

The Canadian Space Agency announced this morning that they will hold a press conference tomorrow to announce an important mission for one of Canada's astronauts. It is expected that the Canadian Space Agency will announce that veteran Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield will be introduced as the first Canadian Commander of an expedition to the International Space Station.

Dextre

Meet Canada's Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator or Dextre for Short

Call it an orbiting Edward Scissorhands. Although Dextre's first major robotic work on the International Space Station this month was delayed due to a snagged truss, both the Canadian Space Agency and NASA anticipate it will replace spacewalkers for minor outside tasks during and after the station's construction.

Launched in 2008 aboard STS-123, the Canadian robotic hand - built by MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates in Brampton, Ont. - was initially designed for astronauts to operate from inside the station.

RADARSAT Constellation Mission

The CSA Issues RADARSAT Next Generation Options Study for the Department of Defence

Today the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) issued through the tender service MERX a request for two separate firms to carry out a study on the RADARSAT Next Generation Options Study. The primary objective of the study work is to perform an in-depth evaluation of the Department of Defence (DND) requirements for surveillance radars and identify implementation options in a system that would enter into operation after the initial deployment of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission. The RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) is a $497 million program which will tentatively launch three Earth-observation satellites between 2014 and 2015 and is follow-on to the successful Radarsat-1 and Radarsat-2 programs.

Canadian Space Agency

The Canadian Space Agency on Twitter Comments

You won't find an official Canadian Space Agency (CSA) account on Twitter or any other social media network either, unless you count a rarely updated YouTube account. That does not mean you won't the CSA mentioned on social media sites like Twitter on a daily basis. And if you're familiar with Twitter you know that topics can be organized by including a hash tag with a tweet. For instance the most popular hash tag for the World Cup is #worldcup. So if I tweeted "Sad to see Germany lost to Spain #worldcup", then anyone who follows that hash tag would see my tweet. The CSA has no set hash tag but it would be useful if it did. For that reason we've created a poll to see what the community thought should be the CSA hash tag.

Moon Rover

Canadian Space Agency Issues RFP for Moon Rover Prototypes Comment

The Canadian Space Agency today issued a call for proposals to build two Lunar Exploration Light Rover (LELR) prototypes at maximum cost of $11 million per rover. Up to two contracts will be awarded with each contract requiring a prototype to be built. Only one contract will be awarded per bidder. Proposals are due by August 17th.

International Space Station

Canadian Space Agency Ponders Purchasing Soyuz Ride

In an article posted on Spaceflight Now Gilles Leclerc, Director General of Space Technologies at the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) confirms that the International Space Station (ISS) partners have contacted Russia about purchasing an additional Soyuz spacecraft, potentially one new flight per year between 2013 and 2016. Currently an additional seat on a Soyuz costs $56 million based on the last contract signed by the U.S.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency Awards Concept Studies for Planetary Missions

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) announced today that it has awarded two contracts to MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) and one to the University of Calgary for concepts studies for Canada's participation in NASA's New Frontiers program. Each of the contracts is valued at $500,000.

Canadian Space Agency Watch

Canadian Veteran Astronaut Chris Hadfield Slotted as Expedition 35 Commander

Veteran astronaut Chris Hadfield has been apparently slotted in as the International Space Station Expedition 35 Commander according to sources. This is something of a surprise as Canada was not expected to have another long duration stay until 2015. Hadfield becomes the first Canadian to be selected as an Expedition Commander.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Robotic Technology to Install Mini Research Module-1 on STS-132 Mission

Watch how the Shuttle's Canadarm and Canadarm2 will work together on Flight Day 5 to install the Russian-built Mini Research Module-1 (MRM-1), which will mark the first time the Station's robotic arm installs a Russian module on the International Space Station.

Canadian Space Agency

Final Flight of Atlantis has Large Canadian Element

While there has been a great emphasis on the fact that currently STS-132 will be the final flight of the space shuttle Atlantis, there is another almost forgotten aspect of this mission - the Canadian aspect. This mission will be utilizing many Canadian elements.

Mars Rover

Canadian Space Agency Gives Green Light to Build Prototype Mars Rover

The Canadian Space Agency yesterday issued a request for proposals for a $6 million Mars Exploration Science Rover (MESR) prototype as part of their Exploration Surface Mobility (ESM) program. The due date for proposals is June 8 and work must be completed by the end of December 2012.

Canadian Space Agency Watch

Canadian Space Agency Reorganization Underway

The federal government on March 25th released the 2010-2011 Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Report on Plans and Priorities. The report indicates that in anticipation of Cabinet and Treasury Board approval of the Long Term Space Plan (LTSP), a reorganization is underway. The much anticipated 10 year LTSP would begin to be implemented this year as soon as the government approves the plan.

International Space Station

Space Agency Heads Discuss Extending Space Station Lifespan to 2028

Today in Tokyo the leaders of the space agencies from Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia and the United States met to discuss the future of the International Space Station (ISS). The space station is nearing completion and the group noted there are no technical constraints to continue operations beyond 2015 to 2020 and possibly 2028. Extending the lifespan of the station to 2028 is a matter of certifying the on-orbit elements, something the ISS partners are currently doing.

Canadian Space Agency Watch

Ottawa Citizen - Right Message - Wrong on Facts in Article on Canadian Space Agency Comments

The Ottawa Citizen article "Rocket Science" which appeared in yesterday's paper was over simplified and got even some of the basic facts wrong.

I do however agree with the message of the article that the Government, and in particular Minister of Industry Tony Clement, needs to be proactive and release a new Long Term Space Plan for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

Canadian Space Agency

RADARSAT-2 Image of City of Port-au-Prince, Haiti

The Canadian Space Agency has released the following RADARSAT-2 image showing specific locations in and around the capital city Port-au-Prince. The epicenter of the quake was just 15 kilometers from the capital and only 10 kilometers deep.

Hydrogenics Corporation

Hydrogenics Picked for Next Generation Lunar Mobility Power System

Hydrogenics of Mississauga has been picked by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to provide a next generation lunar mobility power system. Lunar mobility systems is one of the key technology areas the CSA has targeted going forward. Mobility systems would be one area of expertise the CSA would provide to international partners in future moon exploration and is part of the next long term space place the CSA has yet to release.

Canadian Space Agency Watch

Canadian Space Agency Releases Report from the 6th Canadian Space Exploration Workshop

In December 2008 members of the Canadian space community gathered in Montreal for the 6th Canadian Space Exploration Workshop (CSEW6) sponsored and hosted by the Canadian Space Agency. The report, dated May 30, 2009, was released to the public today.

Canadian Space Agency Watch

CSA Seeks Request for Information for ESA's 1st Semester 2010 Technology Harmonization Process

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) today issued a Request for Information (RFI) to Canadian organizations involved in space technology development and/or research in Canada to provide comments on technical information stemming from the European Space Agency's (ESA) 1st Semester 2010 Technology Harmonization process led by ESA's Technology Harmonization Advisory Group (THAG), where the CSA represents the Canadian delegation.

Canadian Space Agency Watch

Canadian Space Agency Supports Prize Competitions

Earlier this fall John Chapman of White Rock, BC, a semi-retired mining expert who is also a strong proponent of commercializing space wrote to Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Steve MacLean about the creation of prizes to accelerate space related technology. Last week he received a positive response.