Established in March 1989, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) was created through an act of Parliament proclaimed in December 1990. The Agency has a status equivalent to that of a department of the Government of Canada and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Industry. The President and Chief Executive Officer directs the programs and activities of the Agency through an Executive Committee made up of senior officers responsible for core and corporate functions.

The CSA has about 635 employees with about 90% of them employed at the John H. Chapman Space Centre, the Agency's headquarters located in Longueuil, Quebec. The Agency has other staff working in Ottawa, at the David Florida Laboratory and Government Liaison Office, as well as in Washington, Paris, and Houston.

The Agency's organizational structure reflects the global environment. Many space activities are becoming more service-oriented, with a focus on the needs of end-users and the integration of the technology in terrestrial applications.

The Canadian Space Agency directs its resources and activities through four key Programs:

• Earth Observation
• Space Science and Exploration
• Satellite Communications
• Space Awareness and Learning.

The CSA supports the priorities of the Government of Canada and focuses its activities to deliver its strategic outcome:

• Canada's presence in space meets the needs of Canadians for scientific knowledge, space technology and information.

To meet the evolving needs of Canadian citizens, the Agency partners with government, industry, universities, and international organizations. By leveraging international cooperation, the CSA generates world-class scientific research and industrial development for the benefit of humanity.