Organization: Canadian Space Agency

MDA to develop Mars space Rover for CSA

The Canadian Space Agency has awarded a $6-million contract to MacDonald Dettwiler & Associates Ltd (MDA) for the development of a Mars Exploration and Science Rover prototype. The project will see a number of key technologies developed for use in space exploration missions that could also be modified for mining, transportation, medicine and security applications.…

Space agency heads discuss international space station

Canadian Space Agency (CSA) president Dr Steve MacLean met with his international counterparts to review cooperation on the International Space Station (ISS) project, slated for completion in 2011. The March 11 meeting in Tokyo between Canada, Japan, Russia, Europe and the United States focused on the opportunities to drive advanced S&T and the prospect of…

CSA provides $8 million for 26 R&D contracts

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has announced 26 R&D contracts worth more than $8 million as part of its Space Technology Development Program. The projects involve 13 companies, a research institute (National Optics Institute) and Laval Univ. The firms are exploring technology niches in the areas of telecommunications, spacecraft design, laser sensors and others. MPB…

CSA awards MDA $1.8 million for concept design solutions

The Canadian Space Agency has awarded a $1.8-million contract to MacDonald Dettwiler & Associates Ltd (MDA) to deliver “concept design solutions” in support of Canadian planning for potential participation in global space exploration. The contract is the third made to MDA by the CSA since the government blocked the sale of Richmond BC-based firm’s space…

Gas emission sensing technology gets $1.3 million

Synodon Edmonton-based Synodon Inc has secured $1.3 million to help commercialize its advanced airborne remote sensing system. The funding was provided by AVAC Ltd, a not-for-profit company that invests in early-stage agribusinesses. The technology was originally developed under the Canadian Space Agency program and Synodon scientists with financial assistance from Sustainable Development Technology Canada, Natural…

CSA contributes to ESA, signs MDA contract

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has agreed to contribute $15.8 million to the European Space Agency (ESA) to ensure continued input on the agency’s direction and access to satellite imagery and data. The agreement was made during a two-day meeting of the ESA council in The Hague. The Canadian investment comes as the CSA gears…

CSA and DRDC developing new microsatellite

A new lightweight telescope designed to track both satellites and asteroids is being developed by the Canadian Space Agency and Defence Research and Development Canada. The $12-million Near Earth Object Surveillance Satellite (NEOSSat) uses the CSA-designed and developed Multi-Mission Microsatellite Bus, capitalizing on technology developed for the previous Microvariability and Oscillation of Stars (MOST) spacecraft.…

COM DEV wins micro-satellite contract

COM DEV International Ltd has received an $8.6-million contract to design, build and launch a Maritime Monitoring and Messaging Micro-satellite to demonstrate the capability of the company’s automatic identification system (AIS) technology. The contract was jointly issued by Defence Research and Development Canada and the Canadian Space Agency. COM DEV specializes in space sub systems…

NanoQuébec launches biosensors funding program

NanoQuébec has teamed with the Canadian Space Agency and the Canadian Institute for Photonic Innovations, a Network of Centres of Excellence, to fund projects addressing targeted issues in health detection and diagnostics using biosensors with nanoscience and nanotechnology components. Up to $2 million is available.

CSA awards $109-million contract to MDA

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has awarded MacDonald Dettwiler & Associates Ltd (MDA) a $109-million contract over four years to continue its logistics, engineering and technology services for the mobile servicing robotics system on the International Space Station. The announcement came hours after Industry minister Jim Prentice confirmed his decision to block the sale of…