About the FAST funding initiative
Funding to support space research
The Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) Flights and Fieldwork for the Advancement of Science and Technology (FAST) funding initiative supports space research in Canadian post-secondary institutions. FAST grants enable students (college, undergraduate and graduate) and young researchers (post-doctoral fellows) to gain hands-on experience in space-like missions, and support the development of space science and technologies.
Objectives
- Develop and maintain the expertise of the next generation of space researchers and other professionals in space-related fields in Canada
- Provide students with opportunities to participate in hands-on activities to gain knowledge and acquire the skills sought by employers in the space sector
- Increase scientific knowledge
- Develop new technologies
Funding
A maximum of $500,000 can be awarded per project, depending on the Announcement of Opportunity (AO) and funding categories. The funds usually cover a period of up to three years.
Eligibility
Canadian post-secondary institutions (colleges and universities).
Projects
Since 2010, FAST has invested over $21M to support 78 projects led by 25 Canadian universities involving over 600 students and young researchers through five AOs.
Text version
Funding to support space research in Canadian post-secondary institutions
Through its Flights and Fieldwork for the Advancement of Science and Technology (FAST) funding initiative, the Canadian Space Agency supports the development of space science and technologies and enables students and young researchers to gain hands-on experience in space-like missions.
Fields of research:
- Space health and life sciences
- Atmospheric science
- Astronomy
- Earth system science (geoscience)
- Innovative space technologies
- Planetary exploration
- Sun-Earth system science
Since the initiative was created in
- 78 projects funded in 25 Canadian universities
- Over $21M invested in the projects.
Over 600 participants
- Undergraduate students: 44%
- Graduate students (master's or Ph.D.): 42%
- Post-doctoral fellows: 14%
Credit: Canadian Space Agency
Contact
Should you have any questions regarding the FAST funding initiative, contact us at asc.damo-awd.csa@canada.ca.
Explore further
- Grants awarded under the FAST funding initiative
- Funding programs and opportunities
- Resources for the scientific community
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