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.

Keywords

Astronomy & Space

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.

Hermes Communications Satellite
"Hermes" was launched on 17 January 1976, and was the most powerful communications satellite at that time (courtesy Govt of Canada).

Canadian Space Agency
Built in 1992, the Canadian Space Agency headquaters in Saint-Hubert, Quebec were inspired by the International Space Station design (courtesy Canadian Space Agency).

Space Science and Technology Programs

Marc Garneay, Canadian Space Agency President
Marc Garneau was appointed President of the Canadian Space Agency in 2001 (courtesy Canadian Space Agency).

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

Canadian Space Agency
A fascinating website devoted to Canada's far-reaching space program. Check out the latest news about Canadian astronauts, Canadarm and Canadarm 2, recent space missions, and more. Also features "Canadian Space Milestones" and educational resources for students and their teachers.

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.

Dr. Roberta Bondar
A profile of Dr. Roberta Bondar from the Canadian Medical Hall Of Fame.

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

Association of Canadian Universities for Research in Astronomy
The website for the Association of Canadian Universities for Research in Astronomy, an organization of Canadian universities dedicated to the advancement of research and teaching in astronomy and astrophysics in Canada. Featured items include links to member academic institutions and an online newsletter.

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

Haughton-Mars Project
The website for the Haughton-Mars Project, an international scientific research project conducted around the Haughton impact structure on Devon Island, a region that is similar to the surface of the planet Mars.

Garry Lindberg
A video profile of Garry Lindberg, Canadarm project manager. From the University of Alberta.

Lloyd Pinkney
A video profile of Lloyd Pinkney, who devised the vision system used on Canadarm. From the University of Alberta.

Framework Agreement on Space Cooperation
A news release about an agreement that strengthens Canada - US space collaboration. From the Canadian Space Agency.