Opening statement by the Canadian Space Agency President
Parliamentary Committee on Science and Research Committee –
Introduction
- Good afternoon, Madam Chair and Honourable Members of the Committee.
Overview of CSA mandate and role
- The Canadian Space Agency, or CSA, was established in under the Canadian Space Agency Act to promote the peaceful use and development of space, advance the knowledge of space through science, and ensure that space science and technology provide social and economic benefits for Canadians.
- The CSA is responsible for coordinating Canada's civil space program. When the CSA began, Canada was one of about a dozen space-faring nations. Now, over 90 countries have a public space agency or program.
- The CSA supports a wide range of government priorities, including economic development through innovation, emergency management, Arctic and maritime awareness, environmental monitoring, and scientific discovery.
- Working closely with Canadian industry, academia, other Government of Canada organizations, and international partners in space science and technology development, the CSA advances space research and innovation.
Overview of the CSA's three program areas
- The CSA delivers on its mandate through three main programs.
- Space Exploration includes human spaceflight initiatives such as the recent successful Artemis II mission to deep space and flights to the International Space Station, as well as scientific missions to explore our solar system.
- These missions create valuable opportunities for Canadian companies and researchers. Canada's contributions to missions such as the James Webb Space Telescope ensure Canadian researchers have access to the world's most powerful telescope, a time-machine looking back 13.5 billion years to the beginning of the universe. Canada's robotics on the International Space Station are integral to the daily operations of our microgravity laboratory, helping maintain the station, support astronauts and logistics.
- The CSA's astronaut Colonel Jeremy Hansen had a seat aboard the recent Artemis II mission as a result of Canada's advanced space robotics.
- Space Utilization develops and operates space assets that support over 40 services to Canadians.
- Earth observation satellites support climate research, natural resource management, maritime surveillance, disaster response, defence, and Arctic sovereignty.
- The CSA's RADARSAT Constellation Mission, launched in , is Canada's sovereign Earth observation space system. It enables other government departments, like the Department of National Defence and Environment and Climate Change Canada, to deliver on their mandates and provide critical services more effectively.
- Following recent investments, the CSA is actively engaged in adding a fourth satellite for the resilience of this critical system and working with the Canadian space sector on the next generation of Earth observation capabilities.
- Space Science and Technology provides targeted funding to help grow and diversify Canada's dynamic space sector. It is very popular, and the CSA regularly receives three qualified proposals for every one that we can fund from our current envelope.
- Our funding programs generate strong returns on investment. For every dollar that the CSA invests through its R&D support programs, Canadian companies generate more than three dollars in additional follow-on revenue.
Canada's space sector
- With more than 200 organizations, the Canadian space sector is an economic engine – contributing $3.8 billion to Canada's GDP, pulling in $5.0 billion in revenue, and supporting over 28,000 jobs in .
- Like most countries, space procurements in Canada are exempt from global trade agreements, which allows application of policies such as Canadian content and now Buy Canadian to mature technologies. This is important, because about half of the revenues for Canadian companies comes from global markets, and because it has enabled Canada to develop expertise in space robotics, synthetic aperture radar satellite systems, and more.
- Space is increasingly competitive, congested, and contested. There are over 40,000 pieces of space debris in low-Earth orbit, and the CSA and other organizations around the world closely monitor debris in order to avoid collisions with spacecraft. We work with others around the world on the rules and norms of engagement in space – irresponsible conduct by one poses risks for all in this precious environment.
- The CSA's systems are highly secure, and increasingly targeted, requiring continuous investments in cybersecurity and resilience. As space solutions and services increasingly power our daily lives, CSA works in close collaboration with the Department of National Defence, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Natural Resources Canada and many other organizations, supporting the development of space technologies and sovereign capabilities.
Conclusion
- Space is inherently international, with the harsh and lethal environment leading to high costs, forcing collaboration. The CSA has long-standing relationships with counterparts in the United States, Japan, and many other countries. Since , we have been a cooperating state member of the 27-country European Space Agency, gaining access to important missions for Canadian companies. The CSA ensures that activities in space serve the public interest – advancing science, supporting government operations, strengthening the economy, delivering benefits to Canadians, and inspiring the next generation.