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Working in space

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By contributing the Mobile Servicing System (MSS) to the International Space Station (ISS), Canada acquires rights for the use of the Space Station for scientific and technological research. To ensure that we can make use of this sophisticated orbiting laboratory, the Canadian Space Agency established the Physical Science in Space Program. The program gives researchers in companies and universities experience in designing and building experiments and equipment for space. It also provides funding for the training and equipment needed for space research. Thanks to this program, Canada will have a research and industry community ready to use our allocated Space Station resources effectively.

To train astronauts and mission controllers, the Canadian Space Agency has built an MSS Operations Complex (MOC) at its headquarters in Longueuil, Quebec. The MOC is a state-of-the-art centre that includes a number of operation and training facilities: the Space Operations Support Centre, the MSS Simulation Facility, the Kinematic Operations Simulator, and the Canadian MSS Training Facility. Each plays a unique role either in supporting ISS mission planning and operations, or in training operators to use and maintain Canadarm2. Controllers will use the MOC to plan complex Canadarm2 manoeuvres before they are performed in orbit. They will also monitor the condition of the MSS and its complex hardware and software systems. ISS astronauts and cosmonauts from many countries will visit the MOC to learn about the MSS and how to operate it in the demanding space environment.