CSA awards $6M in contributions to support technology demonstration in space
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is committed to supporting the Canadian space sector with funding to demonstrate new technologies in space and gain flight heritage. Such activities allow the space sector to grow the economy and open new markets, create the jobs of tomorrow, and play an important role in new mission opportunities that generate benefits for Canadians and inspire the next generation of innovators.
The CSA recently awarded $6M in contributions for advanced space technology demonstration projects, as listed below.
Technology demonstration in space
Following an announcement of opportunity (Technology demonstration) published in , GHGSat (Quebec) was awarded $2M in contributions for an on-orbit demonstration of its next-generation Grating Spectrometer Technology for Satellite-Based Methane Monitoring. The objective of the project is to improve the methane detection threshold, and the demonstration will contribute to Canada's Agenda National Strategy for its Sustainable Development Goals.
Visit the page Contributions awarded under the STDP – Technology demonstration AO for information on all projects funded.
Technology demonstrations for SMEs, not-for-profit organizations and universities
Following an announcement of opportunity published in , Mission Control (Ontario) and StarSpec Technologies (Ontario) were awarded $4.3M in contributions:
- Mission Control received a contribution of $2.15M to demonstrate a machine learning operations pipeline and corresponding software technology in space. By performing this demonstration, the company aims to better understand performance and operational considerations required for trustworthy use of artificial intelligence (AI) models in the space environment, and to further solidify its reputation as a global leader in on-board AI.
- StarSpec Technologies received a contribution of $2.15M to perform an on-orbit demonstration of its Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS). The end objective of this technology demonstration is to complete space-based packaging and adaptation of key components for the company's InspireSat low Earth orbit satellite.