The David Florida Laboratory (DFL) supplies governments and industry with the specialized rooms, equipment, and support personnel necessary to assemble and check the spaceworthiness of entire spacecraft, their subsystems, and major components.

The DFL is committed to test technology development to meet both present and future requirements. A number of initiatives are currently underway in the domains of thermal, structural, and RF testing related to communications, radar, and remote sensing systems. Specific areas of interest include electro­static discharge (ESD) measurements on spacecraft, antenna performance measurements, developing support equipment for large lightweight structures, and materials testing for low Earth orbit applications.

A major player

Known for its role in the success of the Canadian Space Program, the DFL supports the development of satellite systems, subsystems and instruments for major Canadian Space Agency projects, including CASSIOPE, the Ultra-Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT), and the Fine Guidance Sensor for the NASA-led James Webb Space Telescope. The DFL provides ongoing support for Canada's contribution to the International Space Station Program. It is also performing environmental testing on the RADARSAT-2 satellite. 

Internationally recognized for expertise, high quality equipment and specialized services, the DFL is the only INMARSAT-certified test-house in the world for aeronautical antenna systems. As the DFL monitors developments in test technology and updates its capabilities, Canadian industry is assured access to state-of-the-art facilities.

The staff at DFL are committed to providing world-class services and solutions for the long-term space qualification needs of Canada's space projects.