Programs and Services
A practical guide for Canadians exploring opportunities or seeking information on the Canadian Space Program
About this Guide
From the launch of space science satellite Alouette-I in 1962, establishing Canada
as the third nation in space, to astronaut Julie Payette’s flight to the
International Space Station in 1999, Canadians have many reasons to be proud of our
nation’s historical accomplishments in space. At the Canadian Space Agency (CSA),
we are building on our reputable past and pursuing further the science and technology
of space for the benefit of Canadians and humanity.
Your Guide to CSA Programs and Services
is a practical tool for Canadians exploring opportunities or seeking information on
the Canadian Space Program. This guide provides answers to common questions such
as: Can the Agency support my space research and development, or provide me with
access to the microgravity environment? How do I commercialize my technology? How do
I make a request for a Canadian astronaut or space scientist to appear at my event or
for a media interview? Where can I get resources about space? These are just a few
issues that Your Guide to CSA Programs and Services addresses.
To obtain the electronic version of this publication or to find out more about
the CSA and the Canadian Space Program, please visit our website at
http://www.space.gc.ca.
Promoting Innovative R&D Initiatives
The CSA is committed to supporting a vibrant R&D community in Canada. The
vast majority of space technology R&D projects are contracted out to industry;
over 40% of these projects are procured by small-and-medium sized enterprises.
Contracts are awarded through a competitive process. CSA-directed contracts are
also awarded on an exceptional basis. "Request for Proposal" (RFP)
forms are issued through the electronic tendering system, MERX (
http://www.merx.cebra.com), managed by
Public Works and Government Services Canada.
Some of the main technology development programs include the Space Technologies
Development Program (STDP) and the Satellite Communications Program.
The Space Technologies Development Program (STDP) is designed to extend and
support the CSA’s in-house R&D initiatives as well as promote 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.
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The Satellite Communications Program is designed to improve satellite
communications and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) technologies,
and develop 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 industries
specializing in satellite communications technologies are eligible, with
contracts being issued on a competitive basis.
Space Technologies Branch
Director of Technology Management
Telephone: (450) 926-4608
Communications Research Canada
Telephone: (613) 991-3313
Fax: (613) 998-5355
Website: www.crc.ca
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Advancing the Canadian Earth Observation Industry
There is a growing demand for space-based, remotely sensed data to help
monitor and protect our natural resources. This level of demand is due in
large part to the success of RADARSAT-1, Canada's first Earth observation
satellite. Launched in 1995, RADARSAT-1 has become an integral part of
operations for those working in the fields of ship detection, navigation,
mapping, crop assessment, deforestation, flood management, oil & gas
exploration and disaster management.
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With the further development of space systems like RADARSAT-1, soon to be
followed by a more advanced RADARSAT-2, Canada’s Earth observation industry has
secured a 15% share of the world market for space-based information products, with
close to 200 companies selling its products and services.
To develop applications, the CSA, in collaboration with the Canada Centre for
Remote Sensing (CCRS) and other federal government departments, has established the
Earth Observation Application Development Program (EOADP). EOADP is designed to
support applications development projects that focus on maximizing the utilization
of satellite data generated by CSA-supported missions, including RADARSAT-1 and
follow-on missions.
CSA Commercialization Office
Telephone: (450) 926-4456
For Radarsat-1 information:
Satellite Operations
Telephone: (450) 926-4411
For Radarsat-2 information:
Space Systems
Telephone: (450) 926-4395
For more information about the commercial distribution of RADARSAT data,
contact: RADARSAT International Inc. (RSI) at
http://www.rsi.ca
Supporting Our Space Science Community
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.
Space Science Program
Telephone: (613) 990-0798
Space Qualification Services
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With over 25 years of experience, 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.
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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.
David Florida Laboratory
Telephone: (613) 998-2383
Launching New Ideas Into Space
One of the first questions any prospective customer asks about a new space
technology is: "Has it flown in space before?" The first flight of any
new space technology is considered a risk–a concern that the David Florida
Laboratory sets out to reduce. Consequently, as new Canadian space technologies
evolve from concept to reality and look for acceptance in international markets,
proving them in space is vital.
The CSA plays a key role in finding opportunities to demonstrate and prove
Canadian technologies in space, which may emerge with any of Canada’s space partners,
or through a Canadian space mission. The Technology Demonstration Program will fund
the flight qualification of new products or sub-systems that will acquire flight
heritage through various flight opportunities, including a planned technology
demonstration microsatellite mission. Microsatellites (under 500 kg) are low-cost,
single-purpose satellites that make ideal platforms for technology testing.
CSA Technology Management Office
Telephone: (450) 926-4608
Opportunities Here, Abroad and Beyond!
The CSA is strongly committed to promoting the commercial exploitation of space
science and technology in order to maximize the social and economic impact of the
Canadian Space Program. To accomplish this, the CSA has implemented a number of
initiatives designed to serve the best interests of both the Government of Canada
and the private and public partners involved in the space industry.
The CSA External Relations Directorate manages the strategic relationships between
the Canadian Space Agency and its domestic and international partners. Key mandates
include the development and implementation of policies and strategies relating to
cooperating partnerships with Federal and Provincial governments, industry, academia,
and international agencies. The Directorate also supports commercial initiatives
of Canadian space companies on world markets by providing strategic and timely
information.
External Relations Directorate
Telephone: (450) 926-4361
The 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.
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The 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.
CSA Commercialization Office
Telephone: (450) 926-4456
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Canada’s partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), the Canada-ESA
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. ESA’s home page can be found at
http://edms.esa.int/emits/login
or by entering a search for the ESA program on the CSA Web site.
Canada-ESA Program Coordination Office
Telephone: (450) 926-4606
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Expansion Plans? We've Got Space!
The most exciting project in history has begun! The International Space
Station (ISS), a symbol of co-operation among the world’s industrialized
nations, is spawning a new era of discovery, and Canada is a key partner in
its development. CSA astronauts are playing an important role in Space Station
assembly missions, as are Canadian robots. Canada’s Mobile Servicing System,
our robotic contribution to the Station, will move around this huge floating
structure like an inchworm for assembly and repair work.
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Once operational, the ISS will provide Canadian scientists, engineers and
astronauts with a platform for experiments in the areas of biotechnology,
engineering, Earth observation and telecommunications.
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.
ISS Commercialization Office
Telephone: (450) 926-4478
Calling All Future Astronauts!
From space scientist Dr. Gerhard Herzberg, who received a Nobel Prize in 1971
for his work in molecular spectroscopy, to Marc Garneau, our most experienced
astronaut, Canada is home to some of the world’s most respected pioneers in space.
Their expertise and achievements, combined with the remarkable performance of the
Canadarm, act as a showcase of Canada's ability to contribute to scientific
discovery, advancements in engineering and the exploration of our universe.
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Members of the Canadian astronaut team were selected during recruitment
campaigns in 1983 and 1992. These campaigns received extensive media coverage
and enabled the CSA to recruit candidates wishing to become astronauts. The
CSA encourages Canadians, particularly young Canadians, to pursue careers in
the fields of science and high technology–the drivers of today’s knowledge-based
economy.
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Please wait for an announcement on our Web site before sending your resumé to
the organization handling the recruitment campaign.
Careers at the CSA
As a department governed by the PublicService Employment Act and Regulations, the
CSA coordinates its recruitment through the Public Service Commission of Canada
(PSC). The PSC, rather than the CSA, is responsible for publicizing Public
Service positions.
To obtain information on available positions, hiring terms and opportunities for
students, visit the following Web sites:
Public Service Commission of Canada:
http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/recruit
Canadian Space Directory (addresses for Canadian space-sector firms):
http://www.space.gc.ca/asc/app/csd/csd.asp
Support through the Grants and Contributions Program is also provided to the
International Space University (ISU), a non-profit organization dedicated to
research and development in the space sector. For more information on the ISU,
consult its Web site at
http://www.isunet.edu/.
Tapping into Space
The CSA’s Youth Outreach Program uses the unique attraction of space to generate
awareness, interest and knowledge in the fields of math, science and technology.
The Program regularly produces innovative and dynamic youth-oriented learning
materials that highlight such fascinating subjects as space missions, astronaut
training, microgravity research, and Canada’s role on the International Space
Station.
More information is available on the CSA's youth
Website.
Resources
for educators are also available.
The Grants and Contributions Program provides financial support to non-profit
Canadian organizations for space-related activities, ranging from events aimed at
promoting the Canadian Space Program, to the development of educational resources,
to support for groups, associations, and space camps. Submissions are accepted
twice a year in April and September. Application forms are available at the Canadian
Space Agency.
To obtain a copy, or for more information:
Telephone: (450) 926-4351
Fax: (450) 926-4352
A Visit from a CSA Spokesperson
Each year, CSA scientists, engineers and administrators log hundreds of hours
speaking to Canadians from all walks of life about the benefits of space, living
and working in microgravity and how we can use space science and technology in
our classrooms. It is undoubtedly one of the most satisfying parts of their job.
Requests for a CSA representative are made through the Communications Directorate.
Please note that CSA representative cannot participate in fundraising or charity
functions, nor can they endorse a company product. Also, they are not permitted to
receive honoraria for their public appearances. As government employees, they are
subject to a policy protecting against conflicts of interest, which does not
allow them to receive any form of compensation for performing complementary duties.
Due to the high number of requests, please allow up to 6 weeks before a formal
response to your request is provided.
If you would like to invite a CSA representative to participate in an event,
please submit your written request by mail or fax to the address listed below.
Be sure to include as much information as possible (i.e. type of event, date, time,
location, duration and size of audience):
Request for a CSA Representative
CSA Communications Directorate
6767, route de l’Aeroport
Saint-Hubert, Quebec J3Y 8Y9
Fax: (450) 926-4352
Visiting the CSA and the DFL
Policy related to visits - John H. Chapman Centre
Tours of the John H. Chapman Space Centre for the Canadian public, school groups
and new employees take place the first Friday of each month at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30
p.m. At both times, the CSA welcomes as many groups as there are guides available.
For each tour there is a maximum of 30 visitors per guide.
The CSA welcomes mobility-impaired visitors. However, such a tour must be
conducted separately, since the elevators will have to be used rather than the
stairs. A maximum of two wheelchair users at a time will be able to take such a
tour. These visitors will have to provide their own wheelchairs.
The CSA also welcomes hearing-impaired visitors. However, these visitors will
have to provide their own interpreter if they want to obtain more information
than is written on the cards accompanying most posters and portraits on the tour
circuit.
Tour requests are approved according to guides’ availability and on a first-come
first-served basis.
The Communications Directorate organizes an annual one-day Open House in
co-operation with the various sectors and divisions of the CSA. In principle,
this Open House will take place during March break, on a weekday between 9:00 am
and 3:00 pm.
Procedures
The procedure for sending in a tour request is set out in a pre-recorded
telephone message (450-926-4344) as well as in the next paragraph.
Written requests for a tour of the JHCSC must be sent to the Communications
Directorate (6767 route de l'Aéroport, Saint- Hubert, Quebec, J3Y 8Y9), at
least 20 working days before the intended date of the tour. Requests received
after this deadline will be accepted only if there is a group already formed
of no more than 30 visitors. Otherwise the request will received priority
consideration for the first Friday of the following month.
Tour requests are to be confirmed in writing no later than ten working days
before the date set for the tour.
Your request for a visit to the John H. Chapman Space Centre should include a
short description of your group (school, retired people, engineers etc), also
mentioning a preferred month, the number of participants who will be attending,
the language requested as well as a phone number and address where you can be
reached for confirmation.
It is also possible to visit the CSA's David Florida Laboratory (DFL) located in
Ottawa, Ontario. The DFL is Canada's world-class, space hardware integration and
test facility. Please contact the following number for further information:
David Florida Laboratory
Telephone: (613) 998-2383
Space Stuff!
With an interest in increasing the level of awareness of and participation in the
Canadian Space Program, the CSA produces a variety of materials. These include
posters, brochures, videos and interactive Web sites that cover the fascinating
subjects of working in the microgravity environment, the International Space
Station, space science experiments, robotic technologies, telecommunications and
Earth observation. We invite you to send your requests by mail or fax to:
CSA Communications Directorate
6767 route de l’Aeroport
Saint-Hubert, Quebec J3Y 8Y9
Fax: (450) 926-4352
Sponsorships and Exhibits
Requests for collaboration or sponsorship:
All requests for collaborations or sponsorships are submitted to the CSA’s
Collaboration and Sponsorship Services, a division of the Communications Directorate.
A period of 20 working days is allotted to evaluate a request.
Requests for CSA Exhibits:
All requests are to be made in writing to the attention of the CSA’s Services. An
acknowledgement of receipt will follow, usually within two working days,
accompanied by a short form the CSA to identify the objectives and target
audiences of the event.
CSA Communications Directorate
Telephone: (450) 926-4585
Fax: (450) 926-4352
Media and Public Relations
The CSA goes to great lengths in responding to the many requests from the media.
In order to accelerate the process, we ask you to prepare the following
information: Type of media (radio, television, print, Internet), journalist’s name,
telephone number, address, requested information or interview, including the date
of the interview, the location, duration, and format.
All media requests should be directed to the following coordinates:
CSA Communications Directorate
Telephone: (450) 926-4370
Fax: (450) 926-4352
Contacting Us and Getting to the CSA
Canadian Space Agency Headquarters
John H. Chapman Space Centre
6767 route de l’Aeroport
Saint-Hubert, Quebec J3Y 8Y9
Tel.: (450) 926-4800
Fax.: (450) 926-4352
www.space.gc.ca
DIRECTIONS:
Via the Champlain Bridge
Remain on Highway 10 after the Champlain Bridge (southbound)
Exit on Highway 30 East (Sorel/Saint-Hubert)
Exit 120 (boul. Clairevue)
Follow the signs for the Saint-Hubert Airport
You will soon see the CSA on your left.
Via the Lafontaine Tunnel
Take 20 East (towards Quebec City)
Take 30 West (towards Brossard)
Take exit 120 (boul. Clairevue)
Turn left at the first stop
Turn right on Clairevue
You will soon see the CSA on your left.
CSA Ottawa Liaison Office
C.D. Howe Building
235 Queen,7th floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H5
Telephone: (613) 990-6785
DIRECTIONS:
Take 417 West
Take the Nicholas exit
Turn left on Laurier
Turn right on Kent
Turn right on Queen
The C.D. Howe Building is on your left.
Space Science Office
100 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1L 8E3
Telephone: (613) 990-0798
DIRECTIONS:
A. Travelling westward to Ottawa on Highway 417:
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Take the Nicholas/Mann exit and bear right.
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Following the sign for Mann -- the exit ramp turns into King Edward.
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Stay on King Edward; after about 1.5 km, the road splits -- follow
the sign for King Edward and bear right.
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Shortly thereafter, King Edward ends at a T-junction with Sussex Drive and
100 Sussex Drive is directly in front of you.
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Continue straight into the driveway and parking lot.
B. Travelling eastward to Ottawa on Highway 417:
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Take the Nicholas exit to Laurier Ave and turn right on Laurier.
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Follow for a few blocks and turn left onto King Edward.
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Stay on King Edward; when the road splits -- follow the sign for King
Edward and bear right.
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Shortly thereafter, King Edward ends at a T-junction with Sussex Drive
and 100 Sussex Drive is directly in front of you
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Continue straight into the driveway and parking lot.
David Florida Laboratory
3701 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario K2H 8S2
Telephone: (613) 998-2383
DIRECTIONS:
Take 417 West
Exit right on Moodie Drive
Turn left on Carling
DFL is about 5 minutes away (on your right).
Connecting to Space Agencies Around the World
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