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Proactive Disclosure

Achievements of the David Florida Laboratory

Since its creation, the David Florida Laboratory (DFL) has made a substantial contribution to satellite communications and remote sensing in Canada and continues to play an essential role in our space program. As a result of past achievements, the DFL is used as a facility for the integration and testing of space hardware by other countries. Here's a brief list of the main projects that the DFL has taken part in since 1972.

DATE

EVENT

NOTES

2008 to 2009

James Webb Space Telescope
(JWST)

This successor to the Hubble Space Telescope – JWST – is a joint mission by NASA, ESA, and the CSA. Canada is providing the Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS) which is integral to the telescope's attitude control system.

The environmental test campaign for the FGS will be done at the DFL.

2008

Cassiope

Cassiope carries two payloads; Cascade provides the world's first space-based, commercial, electronic courier service and the Enhanced Polar Outflow Probe (ePOP) studies space weather phenomena in the Earth's upper atmosphere.

The environmental test campaign for Cassiope will be done at the DFL.

2007

Telstar 11N

American Ku-Band communications satellite provides coverage across North America and Europe.

Thermal vacuum testing at the spacecraft level was done at the DFL under contract from MacDonald Dettwiler (MDA) for Space Systems/Loral (SS/L).

2007

CMBStar 1

American telecommunications satellite built by SS/L provides mobile video services for the 2008 Olympics. Also known as EchoStar 13.

Thermal vacuum testing on the all-up spacecraft was done at the DFL under contract from MDA for SS/L.

2001 to 2007

RADARSAT-2
Earth Observation Satellite

Canada's next-generation Earth-observation satellite was launched in December 2007.

2003

MOST

Canada's astronomical space telescope that studies the Microvariability and Oscillation of Stars (MOST)

2003

SCISAT-1

Canada's terrestrial atmospheric studies satellite.

2002

OPTUS C1
Communications Satellite

Australian communications satellite.

2000 to 2001

BSAT 2A, BSAT 2B, BSAT 2C
Communications Satellites

Japanese direct-to-home television broadcast communications satellite, known as Broadcast Satellite 4 (BS 4) Program. DFL was contracted by Orbital Sciences Corporation for mass properties measurements and radio frequency functional testing.

1997

INDOSTAR
Communications Satellite

Indonesian direct broadcast communications satellite. Also known as Cakrawarta 1.

1995 to 2004

Mobile Servicing System
(MSS)

The MSS is Canada's crucial contribution to the International Space Station and consists of the Special Purpose Dextrous Manipulator (Dextre), the Space Station Remote Manipulator (CANADARM2), and the Mobile Base System.

1992 to 1996

MSAT M1 and M2
Mobile Communications Satellites

Commercial mobile communications satellites. MSAT M2 is also known as AMSC 1 (American Mobile Satellite Corporation 1).

1992 to 1995

RADARSATEarth Observation Satellite

Canada's first Earth-observation satellite.

1988 to 1992

ANIK E1 and E2
Communications Satellites

Replacing the ANIK C and D satellites.

1985 to 1989

Olympus
Communications Satellite

Large European Space Agency (ESA) multipayload communications satellite. Also known as L SAT (Large Satellite).

1984 to 1985

DFL Expansion
High Bay 3

In support of testing the European Space Agency Olympus communications satellite.

1983 to 1986

BRASILSAT S1 and S2
Communications Satellites

First international prime contract. Also known as Brazil's SBTS (Sistema Brasileiro de Telecomunicacoes por Satellite).

1981 to 1982

ANIK D1 and D2
Communications Satellites

First prime contract awarded to a Canadian company.

1980 to 1982

ANIK C2
Communications Satellite

Launched by the U.S. Space Shuttle
(STS-07)

1979 to 1981

DFL Expansion

First expansion of the DFL's Qualification Facilities to support Canadian prime contractor capability.

Ongoing since 1979

SRMS follow-on program
CANADARM

The Shuttle Remote Manipulator System.

1972 to 1974

HERMES
Communications Satellite

First satellite integrated and tested at the DFL. Joint Canadian-American effort to demonstrate direct-to-home broadcasting. Also known as the Communications Technology Satellite.

1972

DFL Official Opening

September 29, 1972.