Departmental Plan 2026–2027 – Operating context
The Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) role is to promote the peaceful use and development of space, to advance the knowledge of space through science, and to ensure that space science and technology provide social and economic benefits for Canadians. Canada's rich space heritage and industrial capabilities position the country among global space leaders, particularly in space operations, Earth observation, satellite communications, space robotics, space-based radar, and optical science instruments.
Many of these space-based capabilities will be increasingly important as the world undergoes geopolitical uncertainty, economic nationalism, and rapid technological change. The Government of Canada is focused on shoring up Canada's sovereignty and security, and this includes prioritizing the development, growth, and retention of industrial capacity in strategically important sectors that underpin both civil and defence initiatives. To this end, Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy, released in , identified the space sector as an existing strength that contributes to the broader defence industrial base. It also designated four key sovereign capabilities in space, including: Space-Based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance; Space Domain Awareness; Satellite Communications; and Space Launch. These capabilities represent priority investment areas for which the Government aims to maximize strategic autonomy and reduce supply chain vulnerabilities.
At the same time, there continues to be an increase in private sector-led space activities. Disruptive technologies have changed the economics of building, launching, and operating spacecraft, opening space to new and lucrative commercial business activities both globally and in Canada. Canada needs to ensure that its space industry can seize opportunities that arise from the increasingly dynamic space economy, including the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that make up approximately 68 per cent of the sector.
Space missions rely on specialized labour in the fields of science and engineering. Canada has a solid base of talent to support its space program, with approximately 73% of the workforce considered highly qualified personnel (HQP), meaning they hold at least a bachelor's degree, while 70% of the workforce is in a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) position.
The CSA continues to focus on supporting Canada's innovative firms through targeted investments to develop and demonstrate key science and technology capabilities, while also ensuring the sector remains competitive and diverse. This includes continuing the implementation of the projects and missions that the Government has entrusted the Agency to deliver, such as Canadarm3, the WildFireSat mission, RADARSAT+ and the HAWC mission. At the same time, it is vital that the CSA support the development of future missions and technology concepts, both of which are a central part of how the CSA works with the private sector. The CSA is also working with Government of Canada partners to ensure that industry has the regulatory certainty it needs to make its own investments in innovation and growth opportunities.
Due to their complexity and costs, international partnerships are key to advancing many of the CSA's space missions. The CSA collaborates with other space organizations (e.g. NASA and the European Space Agency [ESA]) and committees such as the Global Space Exploration Committee and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites. These partnerships allow Canada to punch above its weight by participating in major missions that would otherwise not be feasible for our country, while also allowing us to leverage partner countries' capabilities that are key to tackling some of the most pressing global issues, such as climate change. However, international collaboration brings risks, such as cost escalations that arise because of project delays that are beyond the CSA's control. Furthermore, increasing protectionism among traditional partners also underscores the need for Canada's export-oriented space sector to diversify markets and strengthen existing relationships.