Advancing Canada's priorities through space
News release
October 14, 2026 – Longueuil, Quebec
Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced $11.1 million in funding for 16 innovative space projects led by 15 Canadian organizations. Recognizing space as a strategic national asset, this investment will help ensure that the Canadian space sector is fully equipped and ready to advance national priorities.
Several of the funded projects will help advance capabilities that are increasingly important to Canada's security, sovereignty, economic prosperity and leadership in space. Among these are cutting-edge satellite imaging technologies to improve access to critical information for emergency response, infrastructure monitoring, environmental stewardship, and security applications. Other supported projects are strengthening secure communications capabilities and improving Arctic sea ice and maritime activity monitoring, contributing to enhanced connectivity and situational awareness across Canada's North. This funding is also supporting artificial intelligence technologies to enhance satellite autonomy and efficiency, alongside improved communications and power systems for future lunar exploration missions. Together, these innovations position Canadian companies for opportunities in the emerging lunar economy.
The funding announced today helps drive the Government of Canada's broader ambitions for a strong and innovative space sector. It will enable Canadian organizations to seize new commercial opportunities and respond to emerging national priorities as Canada charts its long-term vision for space.
Quotes
"Canada's future in space depends on our ability to develop and sustain world-class capabilities. Through these investments, we are empowering Canadian companies to advance cutting-edge technologies, strengthen our highly skilled workforce, and seize new opportunities in the growing global space economy. By supporting innovation today, we are helping reinforce Canada's economic prosperity, security, sovereignty and leadership in space for years to come."
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Quick facts
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This investment is made through the Canadian Space Agency's Space Technology Development Program (STDP). This flagship funding program for early-stage innovation helps Canadian companies develop and test space technologies to bring them closer to market and enhance the competitiveness of Canada's space sector.
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Since 2012, the STDP has invested over $130 million to support the pre-commercial development of 266 space-related technologies.
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Canada's space sector supports over 28,000 jobs and generates $5 billion in revenues each year.
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Canadian space companies invest close to $1 billion annually in research and development, with R&D intensity approximately 17 times higher than the manufacturing-sector average.
Associated links
Contacts
Canadian Space Agency
Media Relations Office
Telephone: 450-926-4370
Email: asc.medias-media.csa@asc-csa.gc.ca
Website: www.asc-csa.gc.ca
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