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 Québec.

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

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.

Launch

A Rocket to Call Our Own? Canadian Space Agency Explores the Business Case

The steadily increasing cost of micro satellite launch services has reached the point that the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is seriously considering the development of an indigenous launch system. In late November they issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a strategic analysis of the market.

Canadian Space Agency

Living in Space Exhibit Coming to a City Near You

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) aims to troubadour through venues across the country, spreading information about what it is like to live on the International Space Station, courtesy of a $1.25-million solicitation it awarded to Expographiq (aka Crecan International Ltd.) in late November for an exhibit called "Living in Space".

Canadian Space Agency

Soyuz Leaves International Space Station and Lands Safely in Kazakhstan

Canadian Space Agency Flight Engineer Robert Thirsk, Expedition 21 Flight Engineer and Soyuz Commander Roman Romanenko and European Space Agency Flight Engineer Frank De Winne undocked their Soyuz spacecraft from the station at 10:56 p.m. EST Monday and landed in Kazakhstan at 2:15 a.m. Tuesday, 1:15 p.m. local Kazakhstan time. The Soyuz spacecraft landed upright which helped the search and recovery teams extract the astronauts.

Canadian Space Agency

Return to Earth - Op-Ed by Canadian Astronaut Robert Thirsk

Six months aboard the International Space Station has flown by at orbital speed. If asked to do so, I could remain aboard the Station and continue to perform well. But I feel a fatigue setting in that even weekends and a good night's sleep cannot relieve. It is now time to return home.

Canadian Space Agency

After Six Months in Space Canadian Astronaut Robert Thirsk Returns to Earth Next Week

Next Tuesday Robert Thirsk will return to Earth on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft ending his six month stay on the International Space Station as a member of Expedition 21. In his last week in space he will be very busy with ongoing experiments but will no doubt have time to reflect on the past six months and among those thoughts will be the realization that this is most likely his last time in space.

Canadian Space Agency

Space Shuttle Atlantis Launches with Canadian APEX Experiment on Board

NASA's space shuttle Atlantis lifted-off today at 2:28 p.m. ET on an 11-day mission to service the the International Space Station (ISS). On-board the shuttle is the Canadian APEX-Cambium (Advanced Plant EXperiments on Orbit) experiment. The experiment will help determine the role gravity plays in trees forming different kinds of wood.

Canadian Space Agency

Details of Canadian Space Agency Research and Development Contracts Released

Earlier today Federal Minister of Industry Tony Clement today announced that the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has awarded 26 research and development contracts to 15 companies worth a total of $8 million for the CSA Space Technologies Development Program. Details of those contracts have now been released. Two companies received the majority of the funding with MPB Communications Inc. of Pointe-Claire, Quebec receiving five contracts worth $1,599,995.00 and MDA of Brampton, Ontario and
Richmond, British Columbia receiving three contracts worth $1,3 million.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency Awards 26 Research and Development Contracts

Federal Minister of Industry Tony Clement today announced that the Canadian Space Agency has awarded 26 research and development contracts to 15 companies worth a total of $8 million.

Canadian Space Agency

Remembrance Day Thoughts from Space by Canadian Astronaut Robert Thirsk

Orbiting the Earth on the International Space Station, Canadian astronaut Robert shares his thoughts this Remembrance Day.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Sector Revenues Reach $2.79 Billion on 17.8% Growth

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) released it's 2008 State of the Canadian Space Sector report today which was prepared by its Policy and External Relations Directorate. According to the report the Canadian space sector employed 6,742 people in 2008 with increasing revenues to $2.79 billion which is a 17.8% increase over the previous year.

Canadian Space Agency Watch

Who Knew? Canadian Space Agency Space Exploration Advisory Committee Meets Comments

This week in Montreal the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Space Exploration Advisory Committee (SEAC) is holding one of its periodic meetings and you could have attended the open session except for the fact that no one knew about the meeting other than the CSA and SEAC members. Why is that?

MDA

The Canadian Space Agency Selects MDA to Develop NextGen Technology for Exploration

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) announced today that they had secured a $46 million contract from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to develop next generation technologies and prototypes for future space exploration missions which could include Lunar and Martian orbital missions. As well, MDA will develop technologies for servicing spacecraft in Earth orbit. The contract also includes options for an additional $4 million of prototypes.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency Releases Analogue Missions Request for Proposals

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has released, through the public tendering service MERX, a request for proposals (RFP) to plan and execute Analogue Missions. Analogue Missions are simulations of space mission operations that take place at analogue sites on Earth; these can also be thought of as Integrated field tests. Sites that are presently used for analogue missions include Devon Island in Nunavut, Pavilion Lake in British Columbia and Axel Heiberg on Elsemere Island in Nunavut.

Canadian Space Agency

Canada in the US Human Spaceflight Plans Committee Report

Canada is mentioned five times in the US Human Spaceflight Plans Committee Report. Three are general references to Canada's participation in the space station Freedom and the International Space Station. The other mentions are more significant.

International Space Station

Canadian Astronauts Access to the ISS Will Continue After Shuttle is Retired

The US space program is scheduled to fly its last Space Shuttle mission late next year meaning Canada's astronauts will have to ride a Russian Soyuz rocket if they are to visit the International Space Station (ISS). The Russians have been charging space tourists $35 million US of late and will be charging the US space program $51 million US per flight starting in 2016 to fly on a Soyuz.

Canadian Space Agency

Canada Celebrates 25 Year of Human Presence in Space

On October 5, 1984 astronaut Marc Garneau became the first Canadian in space as he was aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger on STS-41G. A quarter of a century later another 8 Canadians have flown into space for a total of 16 flights including the current mission by space participant Guy Laliberté.

Canada's newest astronauts Jeremy Hansen and David St-Jacques are undergoing training and have yet to be assigned to future missions.

Canadian Space Agency

Controlled Fire in Alberta as Seen from Space

This photo was taken by Canadian astronaut Bob Thirsk from the International Space Station and shows smoke plumes caused by controlled fires set in the mountains near Canmore, Alberta.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadarm2 Successfully Captures Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle

American flight engineer Nicole Stott using Canada's Canadarm2 on the International Space Station today captured the Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV). The Japanese HTV is an unmanned spacecraft used to resupply the Kibō Japanese Experiment Module and the rest of the International Space Station (ISS).

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Textiles in Space for Radiation Protection

Dr. Nicole Buckley, Director of Life and Physical Sciences at the Canadian Space Agency, sees opportunities for the Canadian textile industry in space. Dr. Buckley will be presenting a paper entitled "A New niche for Canadian textiles - in space!" at the Expo Hightex in Montreal on October 8th. The focus would be on radiation protection and mitigation of the negative effects of spaceflight.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency Posts Two More Requests for Proposals to MERX

The Canadian Space Agency released two more requests for proposals (RFP's) today bringing the total to 10 RFP's released in the just over a week. The two new RFP's are for a Miniaturized Drill Prototype for Lunar Exploration and a Combined Active and Passive Vision System for Localisation, Navigation and Visual Servicing.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadarm2 to Make a Cosmic Catch

On Thursday between 3:50 - 3:55 p.m eastern time, assuming all goes well, Canada's Canadarm2 on the International Space Station will capture the Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV). The Japanese HTV is an unmanned spacecraft used to resupply the Kibō Japanese Experiment Module and the rest of the International Space Station (ISS). You can watch the event on the Canadian Space Agency web site or on NASA TV and later that evening look up and get a view of the space station.

Canadian Space Agency

Rover Technologies Outlined in Canadian Space Agency Contracts

A lunar or Martian rover appears to be among the priorities that will eventually be outlined in Canada's Long-Term Space Plan, a planning tool the Canadian Space Agency says it has been working to complete during the past year.

That information emerged from a series of CSA tenders - collectively worth at least $9.75 million - issued these past few weeks on Merx, a Canadian contracting system that mainly deals with federal procurement. One of the contracts had no dollar value attached to it.

Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency and NASA Sign Agreement

Former astronauts Steve MacLean of the Canadian Space Agency and Charles Bolden of NASA, heads of their respective space agencies, signed a Framework Agreement in Washington today.

Canadian Space Agency

One Hundred Days in Space

I haven't driven a car in three months, and yet I've traveled 70 million kilometers. I've watched 16 sunrises and sunsets in a single day. I've sipped coffee out of a bag through a straw, and squeezed macaroni and cheese from a package into my mouth. I've conducted many scientific and medical experiments. I've welcomed extraterrestrial friends to my home and bid them farewell. I've helped repair a toilet, as well as a carbon dioxide scrubber, and an oxygen generator.