posted 02-28-2019 09:25 AM               

Historic investments in Canada's space program to create jobs and new industries

From pioneering satellite communications technologies to building the 'Canadarm' and space-based radar systems, Canada has made key contributions to space science and technology for close to six decades. Investing in science, innovation, and research unlocks new opportunities for economic growth, creates thousands of jobs for hard-working Canadians, and helps us understand the world we live in and our place in it.

Fifty years after the Moon landing, space exploration is entering a new chapter – and Canada will play a big role in it. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced Canada's new partnership in the NASA-led Lunar Gateway – a project that will see humans return to the Moon and set the stage for further exploration to Mars.

The Gateway is a Moon outpost that will provide living space for astronauts, a docking station for visiting spacecraft, and laboratories for research. Canada will develop and contribute a smart robotic system – Canadarm3 – that will repair and maintain the Gateway.

"Canada recognizes that space is a national asset and a source of pride, and is committed to supporting economic opportunities that will unlock growth and jobs across this vibrant sector," said the Hon. Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. "The Government of Canada has a forward-looking vision for its space program and sector, making sure that our country remains a leading space-faring nation. Thanks to this investment, our Canadian astronauts will have access to new space missions, inspiring generations to come. The Canadian space community will maintain global leadership in robotics, and capitalize on our world-leading expertise in AI, and health."

Canada's partnership in the Gateway ushers in a new era of Canadian excellence in space, and will be the cornerstone of Canada's new, ambitious space strategy. The Government of Canada will invest $2.05 billion over 24 years for Canada's space program. This investment will create hundreds of good, well-paying jobs over the next ten years – from scientists and engineers to technicians and computer programmers – and will contribute $100 million annually to Canada's gross domestic product.

It will also help grow innovative Canadian companies of all sizes by supporting the development of new digital and artificial intelligence-based technologies, and by opening new markets for Canadian businesses.

This investment will also give Canadian astronauts the opportunity to participate in missions to space and our scientists a chance to conduct cutting-edge research that cannot be done on Earth.

The investment includes $150 million over five years in support for a new Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program. Drawing on Canada's expertise as a world leader in innovation, this program will help small and medium-sized businesses in Canada develop new technologies to be used and tested in lunar orbit and on the Moon's surface in fields that include artificial intelligence, robotics, and health.

Later today, in a town hall with Canadian students, the Prime Minister will also launch a junior astronaut recruitment initiative to begin this fall. The initiative will inspire the next generation of astronauts and get young Canadians excited about careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Top-performing participants will train with astronauts at the Canadian Space Agency headquarters.

"Canada's historic investment will create good jobs for Canadians, keep our astronaut program running and our aerospace industry strong and growing, while opening up a new realm of possibilities for Canadian research and innovation," said Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada. "With the Lunar Gateway, Canada will play a major role in one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken. Together, with our partners from around the world, we'll continue to push the boundaries of human ambition, and inspire generations of kids – and adults – to always aim higher and aspire to something greater."

Space exploration increases our knowledge of our planet and universe, and encourages research and discoveries that will create new business opportunities here in Canada and improve our daily lives. Through these investments, the Government of Canada is supporting future generations of innovators and explorers, and ensuring that Canadians are ready to take advantage of the jobs and industries of tomorrow.

posted 05-26-2021 01:25 PM               

Canada moves forward with plans to explore the Moon

As we plan for humanity's return to the Moon, there is great potential for Canadian entrepreneurs and scientists to advance lunar science and technology. Canadians will play an important role in the highly competitive and innovative global supply chain of the expanding new space economy.

That is why, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry today announced investments of $3 million in technology initiatives for lunar exploration through the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

Minister Champagne highlighted the latest support and opportunities provided under the CSA's Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program, to expand and prepare Canadian entrepreneurs and scientists to take part in lunar exploration, including:

• Mission Control Space Services is receiving $3-million to test cutting-edge technology in lunar orbit and on the Moon's surface, with a mission currently planned for 2022.

• Two other Canadian companies, Canadensys Aerospace Corporation and NGC Aerospace Ltd. will also demonstrate advanced technologies during a lunar mission.

• CSA will be supporting scientists in Canadian universities to advance their understanding of the lunar surface.

• In partnership with NASA, a Canadian rover will land on the Moon within the next five years. As a first step, the CSA will select two Canadian companies to develop concepts for the rover and science instrument(s) for this mission.

The Minister highlighted the government's commitment that Canada remains a leading spacefaring nation. In 2019, the government announced Canada would build Canadarm3 for the Lunar Gateway and fund the development and demonstration of lunar science and technologies in fields that include AI, robotics and health. In return for its contribution to the Gateway initiative, Canada secured two future crewed flight opportunities in deep space. This includes a flight to the Moon as part of the historic Artemis II mission.

The Minister also noted that, since early 2020, the government has invested $36.5 million to prepare for future mission opportunities, including:

• $4.4 million to advance technology for nano- and micro-rovers, as well as autonomous science instruments.

• $2.9 million to develop Canadian lunar science instruments.

• $3.3 million to test technology in lunar orbit and on the Moon's surface.

• $22.8 million to MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) to establish the technical requirements to build Canadarm3.

• $3.1 million to support the development of technologies targeting the lunar economy and looking to be included into lunar mission supply chains, by April 2024.

"By investing in Canada's vibrant space sector, we are giving Canadian entrepreneurs, creators, engineers, scientists and researchers the opportunity to advance science and technology, and be part of the growing global space economy. The results of these efforts will improve life for everyone, in space and on Earth. They will also put Canada at the forefront of space innovation while creating the good jobs of tomorrow," said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.