Contributions awarded under the STDP – AO 10

Advanced Technology Platform for Very High-Resolution (VHR) Optical Payloads

Objective: to develop a very high-resolution imaging system for satellites that can capture highly detailed images of Earth. This Canadian technology is designed to support applications such as threat detection, asset monitoring, mission planning, and post-event assessment, while reducing Canada's reliance on foreign providers for critical satellite imagery.

The project will advance Canada's capabilities in very high-resolution space-based imaging, helping strengthen national security and sovereignty while supporting competitive Canadian technologies for domestic and international customers.

HC Reaction Wheel Assembly Design for Demisability

Objective: to redesign a satellite reaction wheel assembly to ensure it safely breaks apart when a satellite re-enters Earth's atmosphere. The goal is to meet international standards that limit the risk posed by debris reaching the ground as the number of satellites in orbit continues to grow.

The project will explore new materials, designs, and manufacturing approaches to reduce the size and mass of the components, allowing them to burn up more effectively during re-entry. This work will support safer and more sustainable space operations while helping Canada remain at the forefront of satellite technologies.

Next Gen Modems

Objective: to develop a next-generation communications system that will enable faster, more reliable transfer of large amounts of data between satellites and Earth, helping overcome current space communications limitations as satellites generate increasing amounts of information.

The project will design, build, and test a prototype capable of handling high-speed data streams across multiple communication channels. For Canadians, this technology could improve access to critical satellite data used for security, environmental monitoring, and other space-based services.

AI-Enabled Thermal Analysis Tool for Integrated Spacecraft Design and Mission Planning

Objective: to develop an AI-powered tool to simplify and speed up the thermal analysis of satellites. By automating complex simulations, the technology will help engineers quickly assess how factors such as a spacecraft's design, orbit, or operations could affect its temperature and performance.

The project aims to make spacecraft design more efficient and reduce mission risks while strengthening Canada's space technology capabilities. It could support faster development of satellites used for applications such as Earth observation and communications and help make space missions safer and more cost-effective.

RF Tile for Next-Generation SAR Missions

to develop a key component needed for the next generation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) antenna. The project will design and test a prototype that could improve the performance of future SAR systems while reducing their cost.

SAR satellites can capture detailed images of Earth in all weather conditions, day or night. This technology could support applications such as disaster management, environmental and resource monitoring, and more frequent coverage of Canada's vast maritime and Arctic regions. It will also help strengthen Canada's leadership in Earth observation and support Canadian sovereignty.

High-Power Multi-Channel Optical Fiber Delivery Subsystem for Satellite Laser Communication

to develop new optical fiber technologies, used within communication systems, to improve overall laser communications between satellites and Earth. By enabling higher-capacity optical links, the technology could support faster and more efficient transmission of large volumes of data generated by satellite networks.

The project will help strengthen Canada's leadership in space photonics while training highly skilled personnel through collaborations with Canadian universities. These technologies could support applications such as broadband connectivity, environmental monitoring, and improved communications in remote regions, including Canada's Arctic.

Zephyr Electric Propulsion for Small Satellites

Objective: to develop the Zephyr-200, a Canadian-made electric propulsion system for small satellites. This technology will help satellites maintain their orbit, avoid collisions, and safely leave orbit at the end of their missions, in accordance with new international requirements for sustainable space operations.

The project will advance the technology from a laboratory prototype to a fully tested model while offering greater flexibility through the use of different propellants. By creating a domestic propulsion capability, it will strengthen Canada's space sovereignty, support Canadian Earth observation and communications missions.

Integrated Flight Software Systems: An Autonomous Unified System for End-to-End Orbital Operations

Objective: to develop an AI-powered system that will allow satellites to operate more safely and autonomously in orbit. Designed to support activities such as satellite servicing and space debris removal, the technology will automatically detect and respond to problems during complex space operations.

The project will test and validate the system through thousands of simulations, helping advance technologies that support a safer and more sustainable space environment. It could also improve space-based services used by Canadians and position Canada to take advantage of opportunities offered by the growing global space economy.

Distributed Optical Utility Backbone for Lunar Exploration (DOUBLE)

Objective: to develop a compact system that can wirelessly transmit both power and data using lasers, helping address two major challenges of lunar exploration. By combining energy and telecommunications into a single technology, the system could support future missions during the Moon's extremely cold lunar night, when access to power and communications is limited.

This project will demonstrate the technology with a future lunar exploration partner, bringing it closer to use in space. Beyond lunar exploration, it could support applications on Earth that rely on wireless power and communications.

Khyber

Objective: to develop a Canadian Radioisotope Power System (RPS) to provide reliable nuclear power for future space missions. Designed for long-duration exploration, the technology could support spacecraft and lunar rovers operating in harsh environments where other power sources may not be practical.

This project will advance the conceptual design of the system, with a focus on meeting the size, weight, and power requirements of future lunar vehicles such as the CSA's proposed Lunar Utility Vehicle. By developing this critical capability in Canada, the project will help strengthen Canada's leadership and sovereignty in space technologies.

Scalable Multi-mission Autonomous Responsive Tasking & Execution Replanning (SMARTER) Agent

Objective: to develop an AI-powered software system that will help space missions respond to changing conditions in real time. Using onboard cameras and intelligent decision-making, the technology aims to identify new science opportunities or hazards and adjust mission activities while respecting limits on power, time, and communications.

The project will demonstrate the technology in different space mission scenarios. It aims to support faster, on-demand imaging for scientific research, emergency and disaster response, and safety and security applications, while strengthening Canadian capabilities in space, artificial intelligence, and Arctic sovereignty and defence.

AI Predictor pLEO Networks

Objective: to develop an AI-powered system that can predict when Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites will be available to communicate with devices on the ground. By analyzing real-time satellite data, the technology will improve satellite communications, particularly for Internet of Things applications across Canada's vast territory.

The project will advance the technology through integrated testing with satellite and ground-based systems. It could support environmental monitoring in remote regions, including the Arctic, while strengthening Canada's sovereign capabilities in satellite communications and maximizing the value of Canadian investments in next-generation satellite constellations.

Framework for Evolving Spectrum Sensing Edge Neural Networks Deployed on Exo-Networks (FESSENDEN)

Objective: to develop an AI framework designed to help satellites manage increasingly complex communications environments. The technology will allow compact AI models to run efficiently onboard satellites and continuously learn and adapt to changing conditions without requiring frequent updates from the ground.

The project will advance and validate the technology through integrated testing. It could improve satellite communications for applications such as northern connectivity and maritime surveillance, while strengthening Canada's sovereign capabilities in space-based artificial intelligence.

Domestically Fabricated Q-Band and V-Band GaN Transmit Elements for High-Bandwidth Satcom

Objective: to develop and test advanced radio frequency amplifiers for next-generation satellite communication systems. These high-performance components, built using Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) technology, are compact, lightweight, reliable, and designed to transmit signals more efficiently at high frequencies.

This technology could improve the speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of satellite internet services for Canadians while strengthening Canada's satellite communications industry. It will also support the development of next-generation space technologies and enhance Canada's capabilities in satellite communications.

Tritium Radioisotope Heating Unit (T-RHU) for Lunar Surface Night Survival

Objective: to develop a Canadian-made Radioisotope Heater Unit (RHU) to help spacecraft survive the Moon's extreme cold. Designed to provide a steady source of heat during the 14-day-long lunar night, the technology could keep batteries and electronics warm on future lunar missions, including rovers.

This project uses tritium, a rare radioactive isotope of hydrogen produced in Canada, as a safer alternative to the materials used in previous space heater systems. By advancing this technology, the project will support future lunar exploration while strengthening Canada's capabilities in space and nuclear technologies.

Beyond Darkness: Enabling High-Speed Orbital Perception Through Event-Based Imaging

Objective: to develop a new vision system to help satellites navigate safely during servicing operations. Inspired by the human eye, the technology can adapt to the extreme lighting conditions found in space, allowing it to detect objects clearly in both deep shadows and bright sunlight while using less power than existing systems.

This project will advance the technology from concept to a laboratory-tested prototype. It could support safer satellite servicing missions, helping protect critical space infrastructure such as telecommunications and navigation satellites.