Federal Government Investing in Space Exploration, Supporting More Than 175 Canadian Jobs
News Release
Ontario firms and researchers receive more than $54 million for cutting-edge space robotics
December 15, 2017 – Brampton, Ontario
The federal government is advancing Canada's future space exploration and supporting more than 175 well-paying jobs for Canadians by investing in domestically developed space technology.
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, today announced investments of $54 million as part of the Government of Canada's long-term commitment to the International Space Station (ISS) and to prepare for the next steps in deep-space exploration.
ISS partners rely on Canadian robots to maintain and operate the Station in space and to resupply astronauts on board. These funds will support the ISS's ongoing robotic operations with Canadarm2 and Dextre.
Building on Canada's world-class leadership in space robotics, this investment will also pave the way for the development of innovative technologies including a next-generation robotic arm and rovers that could be part of future missions on or around the Moon.
These investments will also support 175 well-paying, middle-class jobs, including 9 opportunities for students to gain experience that will help them gain the in-demand skills for the jobs of tomorrow.
This initiative is part of the Government of Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan.
Quotes
"Our government is committed to maintaining our country’s leading edge in space robotics. This funding is a direct investment in Canadian firms to research, develop talent and remain globally competitive. Canada is a space-faring nation, and we’re committed to supporting this growing industry and the middle-class jobs it creates."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Quick Facts
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MDA, a business unit of Maxar Technologies, is a leader in space robotics, satellite subsystems, surveillance and intelligence systems and geospatial radar imagery. MDA has locations in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia and received $53.75 million:
- $52.5 million for ongoing support for the Mobile Servicing System on the ISS, which includes the return from space and refurbishing of one of Canadarm2's “hands.”
- $800,000 to eventually enable autonomous control of future space hardware such as robotic arms, rovers, scientific instruments, and satellites.
- $450,000 for a concept study for two rover types: a pressurized rover to transport astronauts on the Moon's surface and a smaller rover that would first be sent to the Moon to collect lunar samples and test the technologies required for the pressurized rover.
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Canadensys Aerospace, a space systems and services company based in Caledon, Ontario, received $450,000 for a concept study for two rover types: a pressurized rover to transport astronauts on the Moon's surface and a smaller rover that would first be sent to the Moon to collect lunar samples and test the technologies required for the pressurized rover.
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Western University of London, Ontario, received $175,000 to develop a science plan that could be performed by a rover while it is collecting lunar samples and testing technologies on the Moon.
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Contact information:
Canadian Space Agency
Media Relations Office
Telephone: 450-926-4370
Website: http://asc-csa.gc.ca
Email: ASC.Medias-Media.CSA@canada.ca
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