Canadian Space Agency - Programs & Services

The mandate of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is to promote the peaceful use and development of space, to advance the knowledge of space through science and to ensure that space science and technology provide social and economic benefits for Canadians.

Summary

Programs and Services

Under the Space Science service line, the CSA's Space Science Program receives proposals from researchers in universities, research organizations and industries across the country. These are most often in response to Announcements of Opportunity (AO) or Requests for Proposals (RFP) posted on the CSA Web site for experiments or instrumentation within specific programs. Unsolicited proposals are also considered. Once a proposal has been accepted, the project receives both financial and managerial assistance from the Space Science Program or through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) who, along with the CSA, match private sector funding (dollar for dollar) in support of jointly approved university projects.

Proposals to be funded are selected by the Space Science Program's advisory committees. Established to give advice in each area of Space Science (including Space Environment; Atmospheric Sciences; Space Astronomy; Microgravity Sciences; Space Life Sciences; and Space Exploration), these committees make recommendations to the program after assessing each proposal in terms of its scientific merit, technical feasibility and commercial potential.

For more information, you may visit the Space Science Program's Web site at http://www.espace.gc.ca/asc/eng/csa_sectors/space_science/space_science.asp
or contact
Roger Colley, A/Director General
Telephone: (613) 990-0798
Fax: (613) 952-0970
E-mail: roger.colley@space.gc.ca

Under the Human Presence in Space service line, the CSA manages Canada participation in the International Space Station (ISS) project. As a partner in the ISS, Canada will enjoy privileged access to these scientific facilities for the duration of its life, which may be much longer than the ten years initially planned. The CSA is offering opportunities to private enterprises for innovative and exciting collaboration in the Space Station project.

For more information, you may visit http://www.space.gc.ca
or contact
Martin Lebeuf
CSA ISS Commercialization Office
Telephone: (450) 926-4478
Fax: (450) 926-6521
E-mail: martin.lebeuf@space.gc.ca

Under the Generic Space Technologies service line, CSA works extensively with space companies and other partners to help them develop and test strategic technologies in specific niches, build links with strategic foreign partners to participate in international ventures and to ensure their access to the global marketplace. To carry out these tasks, the CSA also needs an in-house core of institutional expertise, R&D capabilities and knowledge of world-wide technology advances.

The following programs are provided to industry:

Space Technologies Commercialization Office: identifies and protects Canadian Space Program-funded Intellectual Property (IP) and ensures continued CSA access to Canadian Space Program technology. The Office assists with the preparation and negotiation of licenses and ownership decisions, and supports the CSA and industry with IP-related advice and education.

Technology Diffusion Program: assists Canadian companies in identifying market opportunities, acquiring rights to technologies and developing business plans for products and services for space and/or terrestrial applications.

For more information, you may visit http://www.space.gc.ca
or contact
Jean-Marc Chouinard, Head of the Commercialization Office
Telephone: (450) 926-4456
Fax: (450) 926-4696
E-mail: jean-marc.chouinard@space.gc.ca

Canada-European Space Agency Program: makes Canadian companies eligible to obtain technology development contracts from ESA, and to become involved in major European space projects. Companies may obtain details on EMITS (an electronic mail system destined for bidders, which is accessible across Canada) by contacting ESA's marketing services by fax at 011.33.1.53.69.75.60.

For more information, you may visit the page http://www.space.gc.ca on the Agency's Web site or contact:
Ray Guillemette, Program Manager Canada-ESA Program
Telephone: (450) 926-4606
Fax: (450) 926-4448
E-mail: ray.guillemette@space.gc.ca

The Space Technologies Development Program (STDP): extends and supports the CSA's in-house R&D initiatives as well as promotes cooperative ventures between the CSA, industry and universities. An important factor to consider is the potential for the proposed R&D to commercialize technologies in space and non-space markets (i.e. spin-offs). Priority is given to the development of innovative, leap-frog technologies in the fields of robotics and automation, communication and sensor payloads, and spacecraft technology.

Satellite Communications Program: designed to develop satellite communications and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) technologies, products and services to meet Canadian needs while positioning Canadian industry on the world market. The program is implemented in co-operation with the Communications Research Centre (CRC) of Industry Canada. Primarily Canadian private industry specializing in satellite communications technologies are eligible, with contracts being issued on a competitive basis.
 
For more information, you may visit the http://www.space.gc.ca page on the Agency's Web site or contact:
Gilles Leclerc, Director of Technology Management
Telephone: (450) 926-4608
Fax: (450) 926-4696
E-mail: gilles.leclerc@space.gc.ca

Earth Observation Application Development Program (EOADP): promotes the development of innovative applications that will maximise the utilization of earth observation satellite data generated by CSA supported missions. Application development initiatives to be conducted under EOADP will be implemented through contracts to Canadian industry.

For more information, you may visit the page http://www.space.gc.ca page on the CSA's Web page or contact
Mr. Denis Auger
Commercialization Office
Telephone: (450) 926-4440
Fax: (450) 926-4696
E-mail: denis.auger@space.gc.ca

Under the Space Qualifications Services business line, the CSA's David Florida Laboratory (DFL) is a world renowned facility offering unique space qualification testing services on a fee-for-service basis to all Canadian and international space, aerospace, and telecommunications companies and organizations. The DFL's facilities include three large clean rooms equipped for the assembly of satellites and other space hardware; a range of both thermal and space simulation chambers for performing thermal, thermal vacuum and thermal balance testing; vibration plus modal analysis and static load testing for qualifying the structural aspects of various test articles; and a radio frequency (RF) measurement facility consisting of anechoic chambers, shielded rooms, and antenna ranges for evaluating a variety of antennas and RF payloads. The facilities and services available through the DFL are unique in Canada.

For more information, you may visit http://www.space.gc.ca
or contact
Dr. Shabeer Ahmed
Director, David Florida Laboratory
3701 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario  K2H 8S2
Telephone: (613) 998-2383
Fax: (613) 993-6103
E-Mail: shabeer.ahmed@space.gc.ca

CSA External Relations Directorate manages the strategic relationships between the CSA and its domestic and international partners. Key mandates include the development and implementation of policies and strategies relating to co-operation partnerships with domestic stakeholders (Federal and Provincial governments, industry and academia) and international agencies and industries. The Directorate plays a pivotal role in supporting the commercial initiatives of Canadian space companies on world markets and in providing stakeholders with strategic and timely information.

Information specific to Canadian space business and industry is found at http://www.space.gc.ca

International Relations
Stéphane Lessard
Telephone: (450) 926-4364
Fax: (450) 926-4362
E-mail: stephane.lessard@space.gc.ca

Industrial Policy and Relations with Stakeholders
André Vigneault
Telephone: (450) 926-4367
Fax: (450) 926-4362
E-mail: andré.vigneault@space.gc.ca

Ontario Contact(s):
See National Contact.