March 29, 2010 - The launch of Space Shuttle mission STS-131 is scheduled for April 5, 2010 at 6:21 a.m. EDT. This is one of the four last missions of the Shuttle before it retires later this year. Here is a list of the Canadian content on this mission:
APEX-CSA2
24 Canadian white spruce seedlings will be launched to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. They will be the test subjects of a Canadian scientific experiment called APEX-CSA2, a government partnership between the Canadian Space Agency and Natural Resources Canada. APEX-CSA2 will help researchers understand the influence of gravity on plant physiology and growth and the genetics of wood formation to help the forestry industry.
A complete backgrounder is available at: www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/media/backgrounders/2010/0329.asp
TriDAR
TriDAR is a Canadian technology designed for a variety of space applications including rendezvous, docking, vehicle inspection, hazard avoidance and navigation. It flew onboard the shuttle for the first time on STS-128. This will be the second test flight for Neptec's TriDAR to continue testing its capabilities.
More information on TriDAR can be found at www.neptec.com/
DEXTRE
Discovery will also deliver a second camera for Dextre, the Station's Canadian-built robotic handyman, which will be installed during a spacewalk.
More information on Dextre: www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/missions/sts-123/default.asp
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For more information please contact:
Media Relations
Canadian Space Agency
Tel.: 450-926-4370
www.asc-csa.gc.ca
