Canadian Space Agency

The Canadian Space Agency was created by an Act of Parliament on 14 December 1989. Its mandate is to promote the peaceful use and development of space for the social and economic benefit of Canadians. The agency is responsible for numerous science and technology programs, including development of satellites, space robotic technology, the Canadian Astronaut Program and space sciences.

The CSA is responsible for the Canadian Astronaut Program, which manages the selection, training and space flights of Canadian ASTRONAUTS. Several Canadians have participated in shuttle missions: Dr. Marc Garneau (1984, 1998), Dr. Roberta Bondar (1992), Dr. Steve MacLean (1992), Col Chris Hadfield (1995, 1998), Dr. Dave Williams (1995), and Julie Payette (1999) - the first Canadian to participate in an international space station mission and the first to board the station. Further shuttle flights will include Canadian astronauts.

SATELLITE programs form a major component of the Canadian Space Agency's activities. RADARSAT, a REMOTE SENSING satellite jointly developed by Canada and the US, was launched in 1995. Incorporating advanced microwave technology known as SAR (synthetic aperture radar) that can penetrate fog, darkness and clouds, RADARSAT provides high-resolution images that will be used in managing natural resources and monitoring the environment.

The CSA-run David Florida Laboratory in Ottawa is used for the assembly and testing of satellites and other space hardware. It features "clean" rooms for assembling space components in an environment free of atmospheric contaminants, as well as equipment for evaluating thermal characteristics, radio frequencies, mass and structural properties and susceptibility to vibration.

Space Science and Technology Programs

The CSA also runs space science and technology programs that provide opportunities for Canadian scientists and engineers and Canadian industry to participate in international manned and unmanned space programs. Scientific projects in space physics, astronomy, atmospheric chemistry, materials and life sciences have been flown aboard satellites and the space shuttle; in many cases, Canadian astronauts have conducted experiments on behalf of Canadian researchers. The SPACE TECHNOLOGY program seeks to develop new, advanced technologies for space applications.

Co-operative Programs with Other Nations
The CSA co-ordinates Canada's contribution to co-operative programs with the space agencies of other nations; namely, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the European Space Agency, the Japanese Space Agency and the Russian Space Agency. The most significant partnership with these agencies is the International Space Station, the first part of which was launched on 20 Nov, 1998 and involved Canada, 11 European nations, Japan, Russia and the USA. The station will provide the member countries with a permanently occupied space base in low Earth orbit from which to conduct space science and technology research. Canada's contribution is the Mobile Servicing System (MSS), a large robotic manipulator built by a consortium of Canadian aerospace companies led by Spar Aerospace Ltd of Toronto. The MSS is used to assemble the space station, to move cargo and supplies, to repair and replace components and to assist in docking the space shuttle to the station. The CSA is responsible for managing the design, development and operation of the MSS.

Author LYDIA DOTTO

Links to Other Sites
SkyNews
The website for "SkyNews," Canada's magazine of astronomy and stargazing. Feature items include the Astronomy Newswire, Observer's Guide, Photo of the Week, product reviews, a listing of Canadian astronomy clubs, and much more.

Canadian Space Agency
The website for the Canadian Space Agency. Check the menu on the left for the latest news, information, and images related to Canadian achievements in space science and technology.

Marc Garneau: Canadian Space Pioneer
This multimedia CBC website profiles the first Canadian astronaut to fly in space.

Curiosity Mars Mission
About Canadian instrumentation on NASA's Mars rover "Curiosity." From the Canadian Space Agency.

Chris Hadfield Astronaut Mission
Follow astronaut Chris Hadfield's 2013 mission on the International Space Station. From the Canadian Space Agency.

Canadarm - A Technology Star
This CBC website features amazing video clips of the Canadarm and Canadarm2 robotic arms working in outer space.

YouTube: Canadian Space Agency
View the latest videos about space exploration on the Canadian Space Agency YouTube channel.

Framework Agreement on Space Cooperation
A 2009 news release about an agreement concerning Canada - US space collaboration. From NASA

Canadian Chris Hadfield blasts off into space for 3rd time
A CBC News story about astronaut Chris Hadfield, the 1st Canadian commander of the International Space Station. See also media clips of Hadfield working in space.

Aviation Week
Check out the latest news in space research from Aviation Week.

Canada in Space
This site highlights Canadian achievements in space technology. From the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

Live-ISS-Stream
NASA's HD Live video from the International Space Station including internal views when the crew is on-duty and Earth views at other times. The video is accompanied by audio of conversations between the crew and Mission Control.

Mars Science Laboratory
The latest news and images from NASA's Curiosity rover, which houses critical Canadian scientific components.