Evaluation of Space Data Utilization

Relevance

The program remains relevant and continues to respond to a demonstrable need in Canada. Its objectives and activities are aligned with federal priorities and responsibilities. It is a cornerstone of the CSA and holds strategic importance for several federal departments due to the satellite data it enables them to produce and access, as well as through its support to industry and the academic community. Demand for space data is increasing, and the user profile is becoming more diversified as awareness of the benefits of space data grows. The program has shown responsiveness to this evolving context and has demonstrated its capacity to adapt to emerging needs. However, access to satellite data and the ease of data use remain challenges for several stakeholders, despite the efforts undertaken by the program to address these issues.

Effectiveness

The program delivered the planned outputs and achieved the clear majority of its expected immediate and intermediate outcomes. While most targets were exceeded, some were not met due to various factors, such as procurement challenges and delays in the launch of the ROSEO Call for Proposals. With respect to the CSA Service Inventory, the program generally met its targets related to compliance with service standards. Lastly, it is clear that the program contributes to the achievement of departmental results, given the logical link between the different levels of outcomes and their attainment. However, it is currently not possible to determine, let alone assess, the degree of the program’s actual contribution to the CSA’s objectives and results, with the exception of the departmental indicator on services to Canadians, which is measured on a voluntary basis.

With regard to the CSA Service Inventory and the services delivered by the SUP, the program has established performance standards, collects the required data, and monitors performance. Key informants also indicated that information is communicated to stakeholders in accordance with federal government requirements. However, there is a discrepancy between the results reported by the program to central agencies and the public information published on the government portal.

Efficiency

Overall, the program uses its human and financial resources appropriately to deliver outputs and achieve the expected results. Nevertheless, it operates in a context where demand for satellite data and the number and diversity of users is increasing rapidly, creating both opportunities and challenges for the SUP, particularly with respect to its role in the downstream sector.

During the period covered by the evaluation, the program demonstrated responsiveness to this evolving context and undertook several initiatives. It showed its ability to adapt to emerging needs through innovative initiatives such as SmartHarbour, SmartWhales, and the funding provided for the Indigenous application SIKU. In addition, it established an Earth Observation Coordination Office, undertook actions to enhance knowledge transfer and stakeholder engagement, developed a management framework to clarify its strategic and operational vision, and resumed the development of a centralized tool to collect, organize, and prioritize user needs over the longer term. However, further efforts are still required to optimize the use of resources and the implementation of the program. The program’s efficiency could therefore be strengthened through clarification of its strategic role in the downstream sector, a clearer definition of its target clienteles, the development of a stakeholder engagement strategy, and clarification of the respective mandates of the SUP and the SCDP with respect to capacity development.

The security of Earth observation (EO) data is both a technical and a strategic priority for the federal government, and the evaluation finds that the program is vigilant in this regard. While some internal key informants expressed reservations about opening EO data for security reasons, many others advocated for greater data openness. At present, there is no consensus among internal key informants regarding which EO data can or should be made public, due to the potential dual-use (civil and military) nature of certain EO data.

Recommendations

In light of the key findings outlined above, the evaluation makes the following recommendations to enhance the program’s efficiency and ensure its continued relevance:

1. Clarify the strategic role of the SUP within the Canadian space ecosystem with respect to data utilization and application development, and in doing so, explicitly define the program’s target clienteles.
2. Clarify internal roles and responsibilities with respect to capacity development, stakeholder engagement and develop a stakeholder engagement strategy.

1.1 Purpose and Scope of the Evaluation

This report presents the findings of the evaluation of space data utilization, which examines the Space Utilization Program (SUP) of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), in accordance with the CSA’s Departmental Evaluation Plan and the Treasury Board of Canada’s Policy on Results (2016). The evaluation addresses the core evaluation issues set out in the Directive on Results (2016), namely relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency. It is intended to be constructive in nature and to provide a neutral assessment based on evidence.

The evaluation was conducted by the CSA’s Audit and Evaluation Directorate between March 2024 and December 2025. It examines the use of satellite data created and/or provided by the program, as well as related activities such as application development and services, for the period from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2024. In response to information needs expressed by senior program management and the CSA, the evaluation also placed particular emphasis on data security, open data, and relationships between the CSA and other levels of government.

This evaluation is the second in a series of two successive, distinct but complementary evaluations of the CSA’s SUP. It covers the activity elements "Data Utilization and Application Development" and "Observation Systems" (the latter being included insofar as it encompasses expenditures and activities related to data utilization). It also includes the "Application Development" initiative under the Space Capacity Development Program (SCDP), which includes expenditures related to the smartEarth initiative. Activities related to planning, preparatory work, and satellite mission development are excluded from the scope of this evaluation, as these elements were assessed as part of the 2023 evaluation of Observation Systems, Planning, and Preparatory Activities (OSPPA).

1.2 Methodology

The methodology included a review of several public and internal documents related to the SUP, a literature review of reports and studies relevant to understanding the program and its activities, internal data (including financial and performance data), 30 individual and group interviews with 35 CSA key informants^{Footnote 1}, ad hoc consultations to further explore specific issues, and an external survey of stakeholders involved in satellite data utilization and application development. A total of 85 individuals responded to the external survey, representing the public sector (federal, provincial, and municipal), industry, the academic community, and not-for-profit organizations. The evaluation function also attended the third National Earth Observation Forum (May 2024), as well as several meetings of the Space Utilization Steering Committee (SUSC) and the Space Utilization Management Committee (SUMC) as an observer.

1.3 Methodological Limitations

Scope of the evaluation. The decision to evaluate the full SUP through two separate evaluations was made in order to distribute effort and respond more quickly to decision-makers’ information needs. Nevertheless, it remains difficult to entirely avoid addressing mission and initiative planning, preparation, and development within the scope of this evaluation (topics addressed in the OSPPA evaluation), given that these constitute prerequisite stages for data utilization. To mitigate this limitation, the evaluation considered certain aspects of planning, preparation, and mission and initiative development when relevant to the evaluation.

External survey response rate. The survey was conducted with 308 individuals from both space and non-space organizations. The response rate was 26%, which reduces representativeness and limits generalization. The mitigation strategy consisted of using complementary data sources, such as observational sessions and data collected by the program.

Performance data. The program adopted a new Performance Information Profile (PIP) in 2022–23, which affected the evaluation’s capacity to analyze trends for certain indicators. Specifically, the methodology for some indicators was modified and new indicators were introduced as of that date.

2.1 Services Delivered and Supported by the Program

The SUP is the largest contributor to the CSA Service Inventory. It delivers 14 distinct services and contributes to 4 additional CSA services, out of a total of 20 services in the inventory for 2023–24. Table 1 presents the services delivered specifically by the SUP within the CSA Service Inventory.

2.2 Program Financial and Human Resources

Between 2020 and 2024, CSA expenditures related to data utilization and application development totaled approximately $42 million. These expenditures include funding for salaries, management, operations and maintenance (O&M), contracts, grants, and contributions. This represents 18% of the total budget of the Space Utilization Branch for the period covered by the evaluation, with the vast majority of funding allocated to Observation Systems, Planning, and Preparatory Activities (OSPPA). In addition, no major investments in satellite communications (SatCom) were made during the evaluation period, except for a $8,445 contribution to the SCanWisc 5G project in 2023–24. This support was primarily based on the expertise of certain telecommunications staff.

*Note: Data provided by the CSA Finance team.

Expenditures related to data utilization and application development are being managed appropriately. Actual total expenditures in this area were lower than forecast over the years covered by the evaluation. Overall, the variance is approximately 15%, notably due to procurement challenges related to funding provided under the smartEarth initiative (Accelerator stream), as well as vacant positions (see Appendix 2).

It is important to note that there is a distinction between the Space Utilization Program (SUP) and the Space Utilization Branch, as the latter is not solely responsible for the SUP. More specifically, the CSA’s Space Capacity Development Program (SCDP) is managed by the Space Science and Technology Branch and is composed of seven initiatives, including the "Application Development" initiative, which falls under the responsibility of the Space Utilization Branch. Financial resources coded under SCDP BLI 03 5 1 include grants and contributions awarded for application development under the smartEarth initiative; according to key informants interviewed, this does not align with the strategic decision made between the SUP and the SCDP in this regard.

3.1 Alignment with Federal Priorities

Consistent with the findings of the 2023 OSPPA evaluation, the present evaluation finds that the SUP is strategically positioned to support several Government of Canada priorities. Over the period covered by the evaluation, the program continued to align its activities with federal priorities and departmental objectives through operational and in-development space missions and initiatives, such as the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) and the SmartWhales initiative, to name only a few. In 2024, the program also undertook an exercise to ensure alignment with the new Quality of Life Framework for Canada, identifying the components most relevant to its mandate across the "Prosperity," "Society," "Environment," and "Good Governance" pillars.

3.2 Responsiveness to the Needs of Target Clienteles – Services to Canadians

The program continues to respond to a demonstrable need in Canada by providing essential data and services. Specifically, it works in collaboration with the public sector, the academic community, and industry to deliver services to Canadians using space data. SUP services are directly aligned with the CSA’s objectives set out in the Departmental Results Framework (DRF), particularly the departmental result "Space information and technologies improve the lives of Canadians," which encompasses public- and private-sector services as well as datasets supported by the CSA.

In 2023–24, the SUP supported 37 services to Canadians, including 27 services delivered by seven federal departments and 10 services delivered by industry. For example, RCM space data support Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in diagnosing the structure of extratropical transition hurricanes, thereby contributing to disaster response related to hurricanes. Stakeholders also reported 20 services under development that will rely on the program’s space data during the 2023–24 fiscal year.

According to data collected by the CSA as part of the 2023–24 Survey on Services to Canadians, several clients reported having improved their services in recent years due to increased accessibility and quality of data provided by the CSA and the SUP^{Footnote 6}, as well as through automation and artificial intelligence.

Respondents also highlighted the support provided by SUP staff in addressing their needs, as well as the strong daily coverage of space data. However, challenges were identified, including limited data resolution, compatibility issues, access to RCM data, latency, time overruns, and insufficient data refinement for wildfire management needs.

3.3 Responsiveness to the Needs of Target Clienteles – CSA Service Inventory

Earth observation (EO) has become one of the CSA’s most significant activity areas since the launch of the RADARSAT 1 mission in 1995, and through RADARSAT 2, launched in 2007 and still operational, having exceeded its originally planned lifespan of 2015. In June 2019, the program enabled the CSA and Canada to make history with the launch of Canada’s first satellite constellation and the first mission owned and operated exclusively by the Government of Canada, the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM). EO satellites provide data on oceans, ice, land surfaces, and the atmosphere and are used to monitor, protect, and understand the environment and the Earth, while helping to manage resources and ensure the safety of Canadians. The Canadian EO satellites currently supported by the CSA are the RCM, RADARSAT 2, and SCISAT. In addition, Canada contributes to international satellite missions (e.g., SWOT^{Footnote 7}).

The vast majority of services offered are free of charge, and clients can request access to services through five different methods^{Footnote 8}. Online requests are by far the most common, a trend that has been particularly pronounced since 2021–22.

4.1 Outputs Delivered

4.2 Immediate Outcomes Achieved

4.3 Intermediate Outcomes Achieved

4.4 Program Contribution to Departmental Objectives and Results (Ultimate Outcomes)

Overall, the program’s logic model and achievement of immediate and intermediate outcomes indicate that the program contributes to departmental results through the logical linkage among outcome levels. In addition, the program contributes directly to one of the CSA’s Departmental Results Framework (DRF) indicators: the number of services to Canadians that depend on information provided by space data, one of the two indicators associated with the departmental result "Space information and technologies improve the lives of Canadians."

The departmental indicator is a combined calculation of services provided by the Government of Canada that use satellite data whose availability has been supported by the CSA (stream 1), commercialized applications whose development has been supported by the CSA (stream 2), and spatial databases made available to researchers and the public (stream 3). The breakdown of the indicator’s result for the program is measured and has been tracked on an annual basis since 2019. It is a central indicator in demonstrating the results of program activities and in justifying future investments and projects, as it provides a direct link between EO data and benefits for Canadians.

Over time, the methodology has evolved to improve performance data quality. For example, data collection was brought in house rather than outsourced, improving understanding and capture of services. Additional contextual information has improved precision by identifying data types used for each service and distinguishing operational services from those under development. However, methodological changes have also reduced the total number of services attributed to the SUP (excluding stream 3) and complicated year to year comparisons. Data collection during the evaluation period relied primarily on partner self reporting, and response rates may influence results.

*The integration of industry in the data collection helped mitigate the impact of the methodological change on the results.

**As noted in the Efficiency section, 21 databases were made available in 2023-2024, against a program target of 21 (OC4). However, since the CMR does not include GO Canada, resulting in a total of 20.

The evaluation finds it difficult to determine and assess the SUP’s actual degree of contribution to CSA departmental objectives and results. While the CSA collects extensive performance data through surveys and consultations, current data do not allow direct attribution of SUP activities and results to all departmental outcomes.

Note: Data relative to targets and results were drawn from the 2023-2024 Departmental Results Report. Specific data for SUP (column ‘SUP Breakdown’) are provided by SUP.

In addition, the evaluation finds that frequent methodological changes to the Services to Canadians indicator, combined with ambiguity around the definition of "service," have created confusion within both the SUP and the CSA.

4.5 Performance Relative to the CSA Service Inventory

The Directive on Service and Digital, which came into effect on April 1, 2020, requires departments to develop and update annually a departmental service inventory, establish and manage service standards and related targets, monitor performance information for all services and delivery channels, and ensure that real time performance information is publicly available via departmental websites.^{Footnote 19} Similarly, the InfoBase platform states that service standards measure government performance, enhance accountability, and help clients understand what to expect when accessing services.

The program has established performance standards, collects the required data, and monitors performance. Key informants also confirmed that information is communicated to stakeholders in accordance with federal requirements. However, platforms used to disseminate service performance information currently omit several data elements required under the Directive. For example, data for NEOSSAT space surveillance imaging services and RADARSAT 2 EO data services were collected and reported but are not displayed correctly in InfoBase. In addition, service standards for infrastructure services (THEMIS and GO Canada sites) were developed and data were collected only for fiscal year 2024–25, explaining the absence of data for these services in Table 9.

Note: Data gathered from InfoBase platform.

*The Policy and Directive on Services and Digital came into force on April 1st, 2020. As a result, the majority of services do not have results for fiscal year 2020-2021.

**The information presented on InfoBase for these services is inaccurate, as the Space Utilization Program (SUP) has been tracking and reporting results for all of these services since the 2021–22 fiscal year.

For most available indicators, the program met its targets. The only service that did not meet all its targets relates to the space based Automatic Identification System (AIS) data service. In 2021–22, performance reached 57% against a target of 90% for the timely detection and dissemination of maritime traffic information within an average of under three minutes per day. This result was due to a satellite configuration change, which led to an update of client needs and subsequent contract amendments to establish new service standards. The two additional gaps observed for this service (46% in 2022–23 and 69% in 2023–24) are attributable to seasonal effects on vessel presence during winter. The program indicated that these variations had no impact on client service delivery.

5.1 Strategic Role and Vision

Over recent years, the program undertook several structuring initiatives to clarify its role within Canada’s EO ecosystem and strengthen coordination with other federal departments. Notably, the creation of the Satellite Earth Observation Office in November 2022 represents a concrete effort to enhance interdepartmental coordination and foster more integrated governance. In response to recommendations from the 2023 OSPPA evaluation, the program also developed a management framework clarifying its strategic (mandate and role in Canada) and operational vision (structure, governance processes, roles and responsibilities within the program and across CSA sectors). In addition, it resumed work on developing a centralized tool to collect, organize, and prioritize long term user needs.

Despite these advances, the evaluation finds that challenges remain related to the program’s strategic vision, capacity development, partner engagement, ease of space data use, and internal accountability roles and responsibilities.

5.2 Role in Supporting Data Utilization

The program implemented several knowledge transfer initiatives intended to strengthen EO capacity. For example, as part of its commitment to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy, the CSA prioritized support for Indigenous communities. Since 2021, the CSA has collaborated with RCM to deliver EO application training as part of the Indigenous Mapping Workshop (IMW). Between 2021 and 2024, five workshops were held, including over 20 joint CSA–RCM sessions, reaching 360 participants, including 35 from two sessions in Nova Scotia. In addition, through the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), the SUP developed specialized training on SAR data use in a Canadian context. This training attracted 393 participants, including 145 international participants, indicating strong interest in this content.

These ad hoc activities demonstrate the program’s commitment to supporting user capacity development and the expertise of SUP staff in delivering such initiatives. However, a leadership gap remains within Canada’s EO ecosystem regarding user capacity development, as highlighted in the 2022 and 2024 National EO Forums and the 2023 OSPPA evaluation. It remains unclear to what extent these initiatives fall within, or should fall within, the CSA’s and the SUP’s mandate and strategic vision, resulting in recurring internal discussions whenever similar activities are proposed.

First, the Canadian Space Agency Act authorizes such activities. Section 5(2) assigns the CSA responsibility for designing, implementing, directing, and managing programs and activities related to scientific and industrial space R&D and the application of space technologies; promoting the dissemination and transfer of space technologies for the benefit of Canadian industry; and encouraging the commercial exploitation of the potential offered by space systems and infrastructure. The Act also grants the CSA residual authority over federal space-related matters not otherwise assigned to other departments or agencies.

Second, it is currently difficult to determine whether the SUP is the most appropriate CSA program to lead capacity building initiatives, given the mandate of the Space Capacity Development Program (SCDP). According to key informants and the official description of the SUP, its role focuses primarily on making space data accessible and available. However, external use of space data is what enables the SUP to achieve its objectives, and such use is facilitated through applications. The Application Development initiative^{Footnote 23} aims to support Canadian industry in developing innovative applications and services using space data and information. While this initiative is one of seven under the SCDP (led by the Space Science and Technology Branch), it is managed by the Space Utilization Branch. As such, SUP staff are responsible for delivering the initiative, but its results are attributed to the SCDP. The evaluation finds that clarifying the respective roles of the SUP and the SCDP would strengthen strategic coherence.

Between 2022 and 2024, the program also developed initiatives such as SmartHarbour to respond to emerging user needs. However, some new users, particularly provincial and municipal administrations, are not yet able to fully leverage satellite data. Nearly half of interviewed staff indicated that these administrations could benefit more from space data if access and usability were simplified. Several respondents emphasized limited resources and expertise at these levels, despite their responsibility for critical areas such as flood response.

These findings are reflected in the Digital Earth Canada (DEC) socioeconomic analysis commissioned by the CSA in 2024:

"Flood response is a provincial responsibility. The Government of Newfoundland notes that access to up-to-date Earth observation data would improve its capacity to respond following a flood. However, limited internal resources and capabilities restrict its ability to fully exploit these data, particularly for image processing, in order to understand the extent and impacts of flooding."^{Footnote 24}

Here again, it is not clearly established whether these entities are considered target clienteles of the SUP, nor what the program’s strategic vision is with respect to capacity development to enable or facilitate the use of satellite data by these actors. In theory, nothing prevents the Government of Canada from collaborating with provinces and municipalities, provided that certain legal considerations are taken into account.

5.3 Role in Stakeholder Engagement

The program actively contributes to the development of Canada’s satellite EO community through knowledge-sharing and engagement initiatives. Key activities include Geomatics Days (130 participants in 2024), the "EO in Orbit" webinar series (115 participants in the most recent edition), and the National EO Forums (2022 and 2024), which attracted between 200 and 300 participants per day. These events allow the program to engage with diverse users and gather perspectives on key issues related to satellite data use.

At the 2024 National EO Forum, organizations such as the Saskatchewan Association of Lands and Technology (SALT) and Ya’ Thi Néné Lands and Resources highlighted specific needs to increase Indigenous community engagement, particularly the translation of technical concepts into Indigenous languages and the integration of traditional knowledge with EO data. These concerns suggest that a broader and more proactive engagement approach would be beneficial, extending beyond ad hoc project funding.

To date, the program does not have a stakeholder engagement strategy or a process to track results in this area. In addition, two separate teams within the program (the smartEarth team and the partner relations team) share engagement responsibilities, which has generated concern and confusion among some key informants. This issue is compounded by the previously noted lack of clarity regarding target clienteles.

Finally, most key informants believe that the Canadian public remains largely unaware of the role of satellite EO data in daily life and of the CSA’s contribution in this area. This was also observed during site visits, such as at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) along the St. Lawrence River, where staff indicated familiarity with the SmartWhales initiative through other federal organizations, but limited awareness of the CSA’s central role. The program could therefore strengthen outreach and promotional efforts to improve public understanding and support for satellite EO services and applications.

5.4 Optimization of Data Access and Openness Processes

According to the CSA’s Open Government team and its Centre of Expertise on Data and Emerging Technologies, "accessible" data are data that can be obtained and used by anyone, but which remain subject to restrictions such as usage limits, authentication requirements, copyright protections, or privacy considerations, factors that may limit usability and reuse. By contrast, "open" data refer to data and information available to the public without restrictions on use, reuse, redistribution, or modification. This definition aligns with that of the European Commission, which defines open data as non-discriminatory, complete, primary (not aggregated), timely, machine-readable, non-proprietary, license-free, permanent, and free of charge.^{Footnote 25}

Presentations from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs on the Copernicus program illustrate the economic and usage benefits of open EO data. The economic value of opening and reusing public-sector information is estimated at approximately €40 billion annually in the EU and £1.8 billion in the United Kingdom.^{Footnote 26} Similarly, a 2019 NEXTSPACE study on Copernicus open data highlights projected gains of €6–64 billion over 20 years, compared to restricted access.^{Footnote 27}

Canada’s 2022 EO Strategy identifies improved access to open data as a priority. Most employees interviewed support this direction, viewing open data as a lever to increase satellite data use and stimulate innovation and economic growth. International examples, such as Europe and Australia, are frequently cited as models for embedding open data within legislative and operational frameworks.

In 2019, the CSA announced that 36,500 RADARSAT 1 archive images (from 1995–2013) would be made available free of charge via the Government of Canada EO Data Management System. To date, 97% of RADARSAT 1 archive data have been recovered and made available over 676,900 images, representing an 18 fold increase. In 2024–25, 914 RADARSAT 1 archive images were downloaded by users.

Internal documentation related to user requirements for the successor mission to the RCM (currently in planning) aligns with this trend, emphasizing that application development requires collaboration among government users, academia, and industry, and that open data policies, where appropriate, facilitate collaboration while respecting security requirements.

A distinction persists between scientific data and operational data. Most CSA scientific data are open, whereas SAR data from operational missions (e.g., RCM) are subject to accreditation due to the sensitivity of some imagery. While 57% of external survey respondents believe there is a sufficient amount of open data, 43% feel that more data could be opened to maximize use of existing datasets. Internal interviews reflect similar differences of opinion.

Annex 1: Glossary

Upstream Activities (Upstream Segment)

Activities related to consultation, design, testing, manufacturing of space components (e.g., satellites, spacecraft, payloads) or ground components (e.g., ground facilities and equipment for satellite operations), integration, and launch of assets or systems into space.

Downstream Activities (Downstream Segment)

Activities related to daily operation of space systems, production of products and software applications that transform space data and signals into useful end products, as well as services delivered to end users. This sector includes private, public, and academic organizations and notably includes satellite operations and services.

Applications

A subset of software that uses the full capabilities of an electronic device directly to perform a desired user task.

Departmental Results Framework (DRF)

Includes a department’s core responsibilities, departmental results, and related performance indicators.

Target

A measurable level of performance or success that an organization, program, or initiative aims to achieve over a given period; targets may be quantitative or qualitative.

Contribution

A transfer payment with specified performance conditions set out in a funding agreement; contributions are subject to accountability and audit.

Accessible Data

Data that can be obtained and used by anyone but may still be subject to restrictions (e.g., usage limits, authentication, copyright, privacy).

Application Development

CSA initiative to help Canadian industry develop new applications (products and services) using space data and information. Contribution agreements support downstream industry access to space derived data to develop or enhance applications.

Open Data

Data and information available to the public without restrictions on use, reuse, redistribution, or modification.

Space Data

Includes: (1) data collected by space based instruments about what they measured (e.g., Earth surface); (2) data collected by space based instruments about space; (3) data collected from the ground about space. Excludes satellite housekeeping data.

Effectiveness

The extent to which a program or policy achieves expected results.

Efficiency

The extent to which resources are used to maximize outputs for given inputs or achieve the same outputs with fewer inputs.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE)

Measure representing one person year of work, calculated in accordance with collective agreements.

Satellite Operations

Day to day satellite management after launch (e.g., telemetry and command, monitoring, collision avoidance, mission planning, uplinks/downlinks).

Evaluation

Systematic, neutral collection and analysis of evidence to assess relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency to support decision making and accountability.

Output

Direct products or services resulting from activities, generally under organizational control.

Indicator

Qualitative or quantitative measure used to assess performance relative to expected results.

Expected Result Indicator

Indicator used for program accountability with respect to expected results under the Policy on Results.

Departmental Result Indicator

Indicator used for departmental accountability under the DRF.

Space Enabled Information

Information that exists because space solutions were used (e.g., EO data, derived products, or satellite communications enabled information).

Input

Financial and non financial resources used to implement programs and produce outputs.

Space Missions

Space voyages by crewed or uncrewed vehicles for a specific purpose (e.g., data collection); may include multiple satellites.

CSA Supported Missions

All missions supported or invested in by the CSA (domestic, international, commercial, or ESA related).

Service Standard

Public commitment to a measurable level of service performance.

Earth Observation (EO)

Field involving development and use of satellites to measure and monitor Earth for purposes including resource management, disaster assessment, security, and defence.

Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP)

Employees in the Canadian space sector with at least a bachelor’s degree.

Relevance

The extent to which a program, policy, or other entity responds to or is aligned with a demonstrable need. Relevance may also be used to determine whether a program, policy, or other entity is a government priority or falls under a federal responsibility.

Policy on Service and Digital

This policy, together with its supporting instruments, constitutes an integrated set of rules describing how Government of Canada organizations manage service delivery, information and data, information technology, and cyber security in the digital age.

Performance Information Profile

A document that presents performance-related information for each program included in a federal organization’s Program Inventory.

Program

A group of inputs composed of resources and related activities that is managed to respond to specific needs and achieve intended results, and that is often treated as a budgetary unit.

Program of Grants and Contributions

As defined in subsection 42.1(2) of the Financial Administration Act, a program of grants or contributions refers to any program involving the payment of grants or contributions to one or more recipients from funds appropriated by an appropriation act and managed to achieve a common objective.

Research and Development (R&D)

Systematic work undertaken to create new products, processes, or techniques, or to improve those already in existence. Program activities aimed at preparing Canada to address future challenges by investing in cutting edge research and development, as well as specialized training and education.

Performance

The use of resources by an organization or program to achieve results; the extent to which actual results compare against what the organization or program intended to achieve (expected results); and the extent to which lessons learned have been identified.

Core Responsibility

An ongoing function or role performed by a department. A department’s intentions regarding a core responsibility are expressed through one or more departmental results that the department seeks to achieve or influence.

Service Inventory

A catalogue of integrated external and internal services that provides detailed information based on a defined set of elements (e.g., delivery channel, client, volume).

Program Inventory

A compilation of all departmental programs and a description of how resources are organized to enable the department to carry out its core responsibilities and achieve results.

Result

An external consequence that is partly attributable to the activities of an organization, program, initiative, or policy. Results are established at various levels of an organization’s performance framework, including program outputs and departmental results.

Program Outcome

A change or consequence attributable to outputs, or to which program outputs or outcomes contribute. Program outcomes may be short, medium, or long term; they are generally more directly influenced by departmental activities and are within greater departmental control than departmental results. Program outcomes exist at the program level, whereas departmental results are located at the core responsibility level.

Departmental Result

A change that departments seek to influence. Departmental results generally fall outside the direct control of departments but are expected to be influenced by program outcomes.

Canadian Space Sector

The community of public, private, and academic organizations whose activities involve the development and operation of space systems, or the collection and use of satellite data.

Service

A final, specific output that meets one or more needs of an intended beneficiary and contributes to the achievement of a result.

Services to Canadians

Services include all information products or services delivered to Canadians by other departments that incorporate satellite based data or services supported by the CSA, as well as all services delivered by companies that were developed with CSA support. Services offered also include datasets provided to researchers through the funding of Canadian missions or through the CSA’s participation in international missions. The number of services delivered to Canadians is a robust indicator for measuring the impacts of activities in the space sector.

Space Solutions

Solutions that address specific needs, including the use of equipment located beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

Grant

A grant is a transfer payment made based on predefined eligibility criteria and other conditions. A grant is not subject to recipient reporting or, generally, to departmental audit requirements. However, recipients may be required to report on achieved results.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

A domain of activity aimed at protecting operational assets in space and on Earth. Space situational awareness includes three sub domains: space debris, space weather, and near Earth objects.

Annex 2: Financial forecasts and actual expenditures by activity element (2020–2024)

Note: Data provided by CSA Finance Team

*Financial resources coded under SCDP BLM 03 5 1 include grants and contributions awarded for application development under the smartEarth initiative; according to key informants interviewed, this does not align with the strategic decision made between the SUP and the SCDP.

Annex 3: Open Data (2024)

*Only public EULA data are considered. It should be noted that the public EULA includes certain restrictions and is therefore not fully aligned with the definition of an open license. Authorized Type A users (vetted users) are not included.

**Difficulty in quantifying.

Annex 4: Innovative Initiatives

SIKU: The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the rest of the world, and sea ice is changing at an unprecedented rate, making travel more dangerous and negatively affecting wildlife and flora as well as the traditional ways of life of Indigenous communities. To adapt to these new realities, the Arctic Eider Society and the communities of Sanikiluaq, Inukjuak, Umiujaq, Kuujjuaraapik, and Chisasibi, in consultation with regional Indigenous organizations across the North, created SIKU, a website and mobile application designed by and for Indigenous communities and harvesters.^{Footnote 35} SIKU allows users to communicate near real-time observations of ice conditions, wildlife, and weather, while also having access to satellite imagery and other data. This combination enables people to remain safe on the land and ice, maintain connections between regions, and transmit the most up-to-date knowledge possible. SIKU is used by more than 32,000 people in over 130 communities across Canada, Greenland, and Alaska.

The project Advancing Canada’s role in Earth observation with SIKU was funded by the Canadian Space Agency to the amount of $500,000 under the smartEarth initiative. With CSA funding, the project made it possible to:

• Integrate RCM data into the SIKU platform to improve existing ice maps;
• Strengthen Earth Observation product dissemination systems tailored to the needs of Indigenous users, including documenting ice classifications in Inuktitut;
• Develop machine-learning–based methodologies to detect hazards, such as those associated with polynyas;
• Establish strong partnerships and increase collaboration among sea ice innovation experts, including governments, academia, and Inuit communities.

SmartWhales: The SmartWhales initiative, launched in 2021 in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada, aims to use satellite Earth observation data to protect North Atlantic right whales in Canadian waters. This species is endangered and is exposed in particular to risks such as vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. Through financial support of $5.4 million provided by the Canadian Space Agency under smartEarth and by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, five Canadian companies^{Footnote 36} proposed innovative solutions to support the detection and monitoring of North Atlantic right whales and to better predict and model their behaviour and movements. SmartWhales illustrates the Canadian Space Agency’s significant contribution to environmental protection, biodiversity, and the conservation of marine mammals. Several key informants identified it as one of the program’s greatest successes and as a model to follow for interdisciplinary projects within the federal government.

SmartHarbour: The SmartHarbour initiative was developed in collaboration with the Montreal Port Authority and Public Services and Procurement Canada to develop innovative applications using satellite data in the context of the expansion of the Port of Montreal at Contrecœur in Quebec.^{Footnote 37} Funded to the amount of $4 million under the smartEarth initiative, SmartHarbour enabled the development of environmental monitoring solutions adapted to the port context, drawing on the expertise of academic, industrial, governmental, and community partners. It is the only Impact Assessment Agency of Canada project to explicitly include the use of space data in its conditions. It is also worth noting that, internationally, several countries have already implemented initiatives aimed at encouraging the use of Earth observation to assess the environmental impacts of projects. For example, the European Union has integrated Earth observation into the implementation of its deforestation regulation, which requires importers to demonstrate compliance of their products, under threat of sanctions, notably through satellite imagery used to support this demonstration. These practices offer interesting avenues for reflection for Canada regarding the potential scope of Earth observation uses.

Annex 5: References

Global Affairs Canada (GAC). (2022). 2022 independent review of the Remote Sensing Space Systems Act (RSSSA). Space Strategies Consulting Ltd

Canadian Space Agency (CSA). (2017). ODIN

Agency (CSA). (2024). Canada and the sustainability of space activities

Canadian Space Agency (CSA). (2025). MOPITT

Canadian Space Agency (CSA). (2025). SIKU: Where traditional knowledge and satellite data come together.

Bellavance, J. D. (2025). Mark Carney unveils the first projects of national interest to relaunch the economy. La Presse.

reger, P. (n.d.). Copernicus full, free and open data policy. European Commission, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW).

Copernicus Programme. (n.d.). Copernicus Security Service.

NEXTSPACE Consortium. (2019). Study on the Copernicus data policy post 2020.

NovaSpace. (2024). Measuring the socioeconomic benefits of Digital Earth Canada (DEC). Draft final report. Montréal.

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS). (2025). Directive on Service and Digital.

Annex 6: Abbreviations and Acronyms

GAC

Global Affairs Canada

API

Application Programming Interfaces

NOO

Notice of Opportunity

CSA

Canadian Space Agency

SUSC

Space Utilization Steering Committee

CEOS

Committee on Earth Observation Satellites

MCUE

Space Utilization Management Committee

CIMM

Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre

DMF

Departmental Results Framework

CRAMS

Collision Risk Assessment and Mitigation System

DEC

Digital Earth Canada

ECCC

Environment and Climate Change Canada

ESA

European Space Agency

FTEs

Full Time Equivalents

O&M

Operations and Maintenance

EOGIP

Earth Observation Government Initiatives Program

IMW

Indigenous Mapping Workshop

JAXA

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

RSSSA

Remote Sensing Space Systems Act

RCM

RADARSAT Constellation Mission

NASA

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

AML

Application Maturity Level

TRL

Technology Readiness Level

NPOs

Not for Profit Organizations

OSIRIS

Optical Spectrograph and InfraRed Imaging System

EO

Earth Observation

EODAP

Earth Observation Application Development Program

SCDP

Space Capacity Development Program

SEP

Space Exploration Program

HQP

Highly Qualified Personnel

PIP

Performance Information Profile

SUP

Space Utilization Program

R&D

Research and Development

NRCan

Natural Resources Canada

ROSEO

Satellite Based Earth Observation Research

ROSS

Research and Opportunities in Space Sciences

SAR

Synthetic Aperture Radar

SALT

Saskatchewan Association of Lands and Technology

SatCom

Satellite Communications

G&C

Grants and Contributions

AIS

Automatic Identification System

SOAR

Scientific and Operational Applications of RADARSAT

SOPAP

Observations, Planning, and Preparatory Activities Systems

SSA

Space Situational Awareness

SWARM

Seismic While Drilling and Advanced Rover Mobility

SWOT

Surface Water and Ocean Topography Mission

SU

Space Utilization

FAST

Flights and Field Investigations in Space Science and Technology