Webinar Q&A: Update on Canada's Investments in the ESA

Approximately 80% of Canada's ESA investments return to Canadian industry through contracts (known as geo-return). On average, every dollar awarded to Canadian companies generates three dollars in follow-on commercial sales, leading to more jobs for Canadians, home-grown technological expertise, and opportunities for collaboration in the otherwise-protected European space market.

It varies by initiative and ESA ministerial cycles: minor technical developments are typically 1-3 years while larger missions are 5-8 years.

No. Unspent funding remains available for contracts but not for this year's investment. Ongoing activities and associated contracts will be open to Canadian industry as funding rolls forward.

Yes, Canada has contributed €30M (approximately CAD$48.9M) toward Space Safety initiatives covered under ESA's Space Safety umbrella program, which includes SSA, on orbit robotic servicing, debris management, and related activities.

Yes. ESA's Third Party Missions program remains under Basic Activities, which is therefore part of Canada's subscriptions.

Yes, the CSA plans to hold a webinar on E3P soon, in which more details will be provided about activities to be included and Canadian funding. Note that Canada is not participating in the International Space Station or Gateway cooperation under ESA programs as Canada maintains a national program for its participation in these activities.

Potentially, yes. ESA's Space Transportation is a major, longstanding program (Ariane/Vega launches) to which Canada has never subscribed. ESA also recently opened a Launcher Challenge to diversify European spaceports and launchers, which is of interest, but Canada did not contribute due to significant national investments in domestic launchers – ensuring complementarity between ESA and Canadian efforts. While Canada avoided duplicating national launcher funding, certain technology development could be pursued under GSTP. Please contact the CSA's Canada-ESA Program Office (esa_programme-esa_program@asc-csa.gc.ca) to evaluate fit.

Canada subscribed €8M to InCubed program, which supports innovative, commercially viable Earth observation (EO) products and services that generate/exploit EO imagery and datasets. The program is broad with many activity types. A webinar is being planned on this topic, follow the CSA's social media platforms for details.

Company co-funding is mandatory for InCubed. The required level depends on the organization's size and situation. InCubed provides guidelines to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) scale up. The CSA will share detailed co-funding rules during an upcoming dedicated InCubed webinar. Canadian organizations can also participate in European-led InCubed activities, provided they obtain a CSA Letter of Support. For tailored advice or to discuss your specific case, please contact the CSA's Canada-ESA Program Office at: esa_programme-esa_program@asc-csa.gc.ca.

Key navigation/EO/telecom initiatives such as Galileo (navigation), Copernicus (EO), and IRIS2 (secure communications) are European Union (EU) programs initiated within ESA and impose security/intellectual property (IP) constraints that limit Canadian participation. Canada is not part of Galileo but is increasing investments in new navigation technologies via the GSTP. GSTP can also move funds to other programs on a case by case basis – please contact the CSA's Canada-ESA Program Office (esa_programme-esa_program@asc-csa.gc.ca) to match projects to the right program.

Canada has subscribed modestly to Element 1 of ESA's European Resilience from Space (ERS) within Earth Observation, focusing on core technologies (components/tools to increase independence). Element 2 will support industry driven, market oriented solutions. ERS is dynamic; CSA will organize a dedicated session and continue tracking developments. Current investments aim to open doors for Canadian companies.

With increased ESA funding, Canada aims to ensure complementarity between CSA-funded activities and those through ESA. smartEarth will remain a CSA-funded national program, complementing ESA initiatives. Similarly, programs like the Space Technology Development Program (STDP) will align with ESA programs such as the GSTP and other technology development efforts.

Yes, depending on the program. Some ESA initiatives are multidisciplinary. ESA's ERS combines Earth Observation, secure communications, and positioning/navigation/timing. Typically, engagement proceeds through one program entry point aligned to the service scope.

This varies by program and case. Some activities (e.g., certain GSTP or InCubed lines) require co funding; others are fully funded invitations to tender. The CSA can advise case specific requirements, and will provide more details on co-funding requirements for various ESA programs on our website; please visit the Funding and Opportunities page on our website.

Yes. Canadian space organizations can submit ideas via OSIP. Canadians are strongly encouraged to participate to increase Canadian representation.

Yes, please consult ESA's Third Party Missions website for guides on how to access various Earth Observation datasets for R&D purposes and browse their announcement of opportunities via this link.

Canadians can access Mandatory Activities and Optional Programs to which Canada has subscribed. Canada is not part of the Science Programme; therefore, Canadian organizations are not eligible to bid for contracts under that program. Each esa-star notice lists eligible countries, please read the posting carefully.

While Canada does not participate in ESA's Science Programme, Canada does collaborate with ESA on some science missions through bilateral or multilateral agency agreements (Agency-to-Agency). Examples include Canada's contributions to missions such as the James Webb Space Telescope and Ariel. These partnerships allow Canadian involvement in ESA science missions outside the Science Programme subscription framework.

Both. Some initiatives are funded through the Space Exploration program (i.e. E3P), while others fall under the technology development program (i.e. GSTP). Canada participates in both.

Canada made its program choices by balancing national priorities with industry interest, as expressed in a national consultation exercise in June 2025. Canada also avoids duplication with strong national investments (e.g., launchers), so it did not subscribe to any of the Space Transportation programs. Canada is not part of ESA's Science Programme but continues science collaborations via bilateral partnerships.

Canada is not part of EU-led Galileo due to security/IP constraints. Canada is increasing investment in new navigation technologies under the GSTP where feasible. There are no explicit plans to reconsider broader subscriptions.

Yes, Canada subscribed to the E3P under which the Small Missions program is implemented. Canada also contributed to various ESA programs in which small missions may be supported, including GSTP Fly, FutureEO, and the Space Safety Program. For more information about specific missions, please contact the CSA's Canada-ESA Program Office (esa_programme-esa_program@asc-csa.gc.ca).

IRIS² is an EU program with related access/security constraints; no change to Canada's access is planned.

For CSA opportunities, please visit the Funding and Opportunities page on our website. For ESA, use the esa-star portal – each notice indicates eligible countries at the top; follow the portal for tendering and invitations to tender.

The CSA recognizes that first-time esa-star registration can be onerous. ESA's SME office (sme-office@esa.int) can provide support to Canadian SMEs with using esa-star. The CSA will also be hosting dedicated sessions on the ESA procurement portal and writing proposals.

Participation occurs through specific ESA programs where both partners' countries have subscribed; eligibility depends on national subscriptions and geo return balances. Please ensure Canada has subscribed to the relevant activity and the partner's country has funded the same program. Proposals are competitive and ESA balances geo-return across participants.

Yes. A CSA Letter of Support is needed for most (but not all) open-ended proposals or ideas to ESA. The CSA's Canada-ESA Program Office (esa_programme-esa_program@asc-csa.gc.ca) can help with identifying which ESA program or call for proposals might be best suited to a specific proposal or idea and answering questions, especially related to Letters of Support.

ESA opportunities generally result in contracts or cooperative agreements; the IP terms are adapted to the project and can vary by contract clause. ESA has details about IP on its website here. The CSA will organize a workshop on IP to provide more information.

It depends on the element. Some GSTP lines are open calls for industry driven initiatives, others are competitive procurement tenders. Partner requirements vary by call.

Funding timelines vary – funding flows as projects progress and tenders are published on esa-star. Canadians can already access existing opportunities where Canada has subscribed.

Yes, ESA welcomes proposal submissions by SMEs and small companies as well as large ones. Some opportunities are aimed at SMEs to encourage their participation. ESA also has a SME office to provide guidance and support to SMEs. Canadians can access esa-star opportunities where Canada has subscribed.

Early-stage/low-technology readiness level (TRL) work fits Discovery & Preparedness and OSIP open calls/challenges. GSTP lines also support technological development; the CSA offers guidance and is responsible for the issuance of Letters of Support where required.

Academic opportunities are primarily under mandatory activities (Discovery & Preparedness) accessed via ESA's OSIP portal. ESA also has programs that allow academia–industry collaboration on R&D.

Academia is encouraged to pursue low-TRL, early-stage research under ESA's Discovery & Preparedness element. Canadian universities can explore ESA's OSIP portal for challenges and open innovation calls. These initiatives aim to foster strong academic participation and collaboration opportunities. For additional information please reach out to the CSA's Canada-ESA Program Office at esa_programme-esa_program@asc-csa.gc.ca.

The CSA is increasing support to inform and assist Canada's space sector: guidance on ESA processes; information sessions; tailored assistance and introductions to ESA contacts. Please contact the CSA's Canada-ESA Program Office (esa_programme-esa_program@asc-csa.gc.ca) for case specific help.

If a Canadian organization can provide test services, subscribing/listing via esa-star can make those services visible to ESA participants. The CSA's program prioritizes opening European markets for Canadian organizations. For specific questions, please contact the CSA's Canada-ESA Program Office (esa_programme-esa_program@asc-csa.gc.ca).

Yes. Canadians are eligible for ESA space education workshops, courses, and conferences. Courses typically have no participant fee. CSA can support Canadian students to participate in national and international space conferences and training events under the Canadian Student Participation in Space Conferences and Training Events Announcement of Opportunity. See more details and eligibility criteria via the linked webpage.

Yes. Increased investment in space is expected to drive workforce growth, creating more opportunities for new graduates and trainees in Canada's space sector.

Yes, under E3P exploration science, there are initiatives focused on crew health and performance (low Earth orbit and lunar).

Canada is reviewing its regulatory framework for space-related activities while drawing on lessons from Europe, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and other partners. The goal is to support commercial growth through clear and modern rules. Alignment with ESA practices is being considered as one of several reference points in this process.

CSA opportunities are listed on the Careers, jobs and internships in the space sector webpage (jobs, internships, etc.). Canadians are eligible and can view ESA career opportunities via this link.

Yes. CSA coordinates communications to highlight success stories and milestones, promoting the Canada–ESA collaboration across CSA networks and with ESA communications to maximize visibility. Canadian organizations collaborating with ESA are encouraged to share information on their collaboration with the CSA's Canada-ESA Program Office (esa_programme-esa_program@asc-csa.gc.ca).