Canadian Space Agency
Agence spatiale canadienne | |
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Agency overview | |
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Formed | December 14, 1989 |
Jurisdiction | Government of Canada |
Headquarters | John H. Chapman Space Centre |
Employees | 575 |
Annual budget | CAD $424.6 million (2010-2011)[1] |
Minister responsible | |
Agency executive |
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Website | www |
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) (French: Agence spatiale canadienne (ASC)) is the Canadian government space agency responsible for Canada's space program. It was established in March 1989 by the Canadian Space Agency Act and sanctioned in December 1990. The Chief Executive Officer of the agency is Steven MacLean who reports to the Minister of Industry.
The headquarters of the CSA is located at John H. Chapman Space Centre in Saint-Hubert, Quebec. The agency also has offices in Ottawa, Ontario at the David Florida Laboratory (which is mainly an engineering installation) and small liaison offices in Washington, D.C.; Paris; Cape Canaveral, Florida; and Houston, Texas.
Steve MacLean was named as president of the Canadian Space Agency on September 2, 2008.[3]
History, mission and mandate
The origins of the Canadian upper atmosphere and space program may be traced back to the end of the Second World War.[4] Between 1945 and 1960, Canada undertook a number of small launcher and satellite related projects under the aegis of defence research, including the development of the Black Brant rocket as well as series of advanced studies examining both orbital rendezvous and re-entry.[5] In 1957, scientists and engineers at the Canadian Defence Research Telecommunications Establishment (DRTE) under the leadership of John H. Chapman embarked on a project initially known simply as S-27 or the Topside Sounder Project. This work would soon lead to the development of Canada's first satellite known as Alouette 1.
With the launch of Alouette 1 in September 1962 Canada became the third country to put a man-made satellite into space. At the time, Canada only possessed upper atmospheric launch capabilities, and therefore Alouette 1 was sent aloft by the American National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from Vandenberg AFB in California. The technical excellence of the satellite, which lasted for ten years instead of the expected one, prompted the further study of the ionosphere with the Canadian designed US launched, international ISIS program. This undertaking was designated an International Milestone of Electrical Engineering by IEEE in 1993. The launch of Anik A-1 in 1972, made Canada the first country in the world to establish its own domestic geostationary communication satellite network.
These and other space related activities in the 1980s compelled the Canadian government to promulgate the Canadian Space Agency Act which established the Canadian Space Agency. The Act received royal assent on May 10, 1990 and came into force on December 14, 1990.[6]
The mandate of the Canadian Space Agency is to promote the peaceful use and development of space, to advance the knowledge of space through science and to ensure that space science and technology provide social and economic benefits for Canadians. The Canadian Space Agency's mission statement says that the agency is committed to leading the development and application of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity.
Presidents
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- March 1, 1989 - 1992 - Larkin Kerwin[7]
- May 4, 1992-July 15, 1994 Roland Doré[8]
- November 21, 1994- - William MacDonald Evans
- September 28, 2001 - Marc Garneau
- April 12, 2007 - Larry J. Boisvert
- January 1, 2008-September 2, 2008 - Guy Bujold[citation needed]
- September 2, 2008–present Steven MacLean[9]
Canadian space program
The Canadian Space Program is administered by the Canadian Space Agency. Canada has contributed technology, expertise and personnel to the world space effort, especially in collaboration with NASA and ESA.
There have been three recruiting campaigns for astronauts for the CSA. The first, in 1983, led to the selection of Roberta Bondar, Marc Garneau, Robert Thirsk, Kenneth Money, Bjarni Tryggvason and Steve MacLean. The second, in 1992, selected Chris Hadfield, Julie Payette, Dafydd Williams and Mike Mackay. On May 13, 2009 it was announced after the completion of a third selection process that two new astronauts, Jeremy Hansen of Ailsa Craig, Ontario and David Saint-Jacques, of Quebec City had been chosen.[10] As of January 2011 there have been 16 space flights by Canadians.
In addition to its astronauts, some of the most notable Canadian technological contributions to space exploration include the Canadarm on the Space Shuttle, as well as the Canadarm2 and the rest of the Mobile Servicing System on the International Space Station. The Canadarm and Canadarm2 employ the Advanced Space Vision System which allows more efficient use of the robotic arms. Another Canadian technology of note is the Orbiter Boom Sensor System, which is an extension of the Canadarm used to inspect the Space Shuttle's thermal Protection System for damage while in orbit.[citation needed]
Canadians in space
Nine Canadians have participated in 13 NASA manned missions and two Soyuz ones:
Name | Launch Vehicle |
Mission | Launch date | International Space Station Expedition |
Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marc Garneau | Challenger | STS-41-G | 1984, October 5 | First Canadian in space | |
Roberta Bondar | Discovery | STS-42 | 1992, January 22 | First Canadian woman in space | |
Steven MacLean | Columbia | STS-52 | 1992, October 22 | ||
Chris Hadfield | Atlantis | STS-74 | 1995, November 12 | Expedition 34 (forthcoming), Expedition 35 (commander; forthcoming) | Only Canadian to visit Mir; first Canadian ISS commander |
Marc Garneau | Endeavour | STS-77 | 1996, May 19 | First Canadian to return to space | |
Robert Thirsk | Columbia | STS-78 | 1996, June 20 | ||
Bjarni Tryggvason | Discovery | STS-85 | 1997, August 7 | ||
Dafydd Williams | Columbia | STS-90 | 1998, April 17 | ||
Julie Payette | Discovery | STS-96 | 1999, May 27 | First Canadian to visit International Space Station (ISS mission) | |
Marc Garneau | Endeavour | STS-97 | 2000, November 30 | ISS mission, Return to space (third visit) | |
Chris Hadfield | Endeavour | STS-100 | 2001, April 19 | ISS mission, Return to space (second visit), First spacewalk by a Canadian | |
Steven MacLean | Atlantis | STS-115 | 2006, September 9 | ISS mission, Return to space (second visit), Canadian Spacewalk | |
Dafydd Williams | Endeavour | STS-118 | 2007, August 27 | ISS mission, Return to space (second visit), Canadian Spacewalk | |
Robert Thirsk | Soyuz-FG | Soyuz TMA-15 (Союз ТМА-15) | 2009, May 27 | Expedition 20, Expedition 21 | Return to space (second visit), First flight on a Russian launch vehicle by a Canadian, first Canadian on a permanent ISS crew |
Julie Payette | Endeavour | STS-127 | 2009, July 15 | ISS mission, First Canadian woman to return to space, First time two Canadians were in space simultaneously (with Thirsk), Largest gathering (13) of humans in space, as 7 STS-127 arrivals join 6 already on ISS, Largest gathering (5) of nationalities in space, as USA, Russia, Japan, Canada, and Belgium have astronauts together on ISS | |
Guy Laliberté | Soyuz | Soyuz TMA-16 (Союз ТМА-16) | 2009, September 30 | First Canadian space tourist |
Note: Two former Canadian astronauts never flew in space; Michael McKay resigned due to medical reasons and Kenneth Money resigned in 1992, eight years after his selection.
Canadian satellites
Name | Launched | Retired | Purpose |
---|---|---|---|
Alouette 1 | September 29, 1962 | 1972 | Explore the ionosphere |
Alouette 2 | November 29, 1965 | August 1, 1975 | Explore the ionosphere |
ISIS-I | January 30, 1969 | 1990 | Explore the ionosphere |
ISIS-II | April 1, 1971 | 1990 | Explore the ionosphere |
Hermes | January 17, 1976 | November, 1979 | Experimental communications satellite |
RADARSAT-1 | November 4, 1995 | Still in use | Commercial Earth observation satellite |
MOST | June 30, 2003 | Still in use | Space telescope |
SCISAT-1 | August 12, 2003 | Still in use | Observe the Earth's atmosphere |
RADARSAT-2 | December 14, 2007 | Still in use | Commercial Earth observation satellite |
CASSIOPE | Scheduled for 2011[11] | CAScade, Smallsat and IOnospheric Polar Explorer |
Additionally, there are some commercial satellites launched by the telecommunications company Telesat Canada. These are the 13 Anik satellites (3 of which are still in use), the 3 Nimiq satellites (all currently used by Bell TV), and a satellite called M-Sat 1 launched April 20, 1996 at 22h36 UTC.
Further, technology/research satellites have been launched by the University of Toronto, including the CanX series.
Cooperation with other national agencies
The CSA has several formal and informal partnerships and collaborative programs or agreements with space agencies in other countries, such as NASA, ESA, JAXA and ISRO.
Since January 1, 1979 Canada has had the special status of a cooperating state with the ESA, paying for the privilege and also investing in working time and providing scientific instruments which are placed on European probes. On June 21, 2000 the accord was renewed for a fourth period, this time for 10 years. By virtue of this accord Canada takes part in ESA deliberative bodies and decision-making and in ESA's programmes and activities. Canadian firms can bid for and receive contracts to work on programmes. The accord has a provision specifically ensuring a fair industrial return to Canada. The head of the Canadian delegation to ESA is the president of the Canadian Space Agency. As of February 2009, there are currently 30 Canadians that are employed as staff members at ESA. (Distributed over various ESA sites: 20 at ESTEC; 4 at ESOC; 4 at ESA HQ; 2 at ESRIN).
The CSA visited the China National Space Administration in October 2005 to explore the possibility of placing Canadian designed scientific instruments aboard two Chinese satellites. There was also speculation about China in the future perhaps wanting the Canadarm2 technology for its planned space station, but as of October 22, 2005[12][full citation needed], the CNSA has not raised the possibility.
Canadian participation in international satellite projects
Name | Country | Agency | Date | Canadian Contribution | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CloudSat | USA | NASA | 1998 | Radar Components | |
Earth Observing System (EOS) | USA | NASA | 1999 | MOPITT (measurements of pollution in the troposphere) |
Future programmes
With the successful launching of Radarsat 2 in December 2007 and near completion of Canada's C$1.4 billion contribution to the ISS the agency in early 2008 found itself with no major follow-on projects. This fact was highlighted by Marc Garneau, Canada's first astronaut and former head of the CSA who in the fall of 2007 called upon the Canadian government to develop and institute a space policy for Canada.
A modest step has been taken to resolve this problem. In November 2008, the Agency signed a $40 million 16-month contract with MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. of Vancouver to begin the design of the RADARSAT Constellation (3 satellite) earth observation mission. In August 2010 further funding was awarded for detailed design work scheduled for completion by 2012. Launch of the three satellites is scheduled for 2014-15. Also in the 2009 Federal budget, the agency was awarded funding for the preliminary design of robotic Lunar/Martian rovers.[citation needed]
However a number of initiatives are without funding. The CSA is the lead agency for the Polar Communication and Weather mission (PCW) which involves the planned launch of two satellites in polar orbit to provide Canadian authorities with improved weather information and communications capabilities in the high arctic.[13] Launch of the two satellites is proposed to take place in 2016. Funding for further development of the mission has yet to be approved.[14]
In November 2012, Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield will launch aboard a Soyuz spacecraft to reach the International Space Station (ISS) where he will live and work for six months as part of the crew of Expedition 34/35. During the second half of his mission Hadfield will become the first Canadian Commander of the ISS—a milestone for Canadian space exploration. In addition to overseeing operations as Commander, he will carry out scientific experiments, operate Canadarm2 and perform various robotics tasks.[15] This mission marks the last provided by NASA as "compensation" for Canada's contribution to the Shuttle and ISS programmes. After this mission, the CSA will have to pay NASA for any flights for Canadian astronauts. There is at present no funding for further missions by Canadian astronauts.[16]
The CSA has been researching locations in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and Fort Churchill, Manitoba for a possible launch site for the CSA. This would allow the CSA the ability to launch satellites and future spacecraft, for the first time, into orbit without the reliance of other "outside" facilities. There is as of yet no funding for these activities.[17]
The Agency is without overall government direction and the support of the government of Canada is grudging at best.[according to whom?] As of 2009 funding remained stagnant at about C$350,000,000 a year. Revenues for the 2009-2010 FY stood at C$328,000,000.
Locations
- John H. Chapman Space Centre - Longueuil, Quebec
- David Florida Laboratory - Ottawa, Ontario
- Fort Churchill - Manitoba
- Canadian Space Agency Building - Innovation Place Research Park - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
A number of launch facilities have been used by the CSA to launch their payload:
- Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan (leased to Russian Federal Space Agency and Russian Space Forces)
- Vandenberg Air Force Base in California (USAF)
- Cape Canaveral in Florida (NASA)
- Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia (Russian Federal Space Agency)
See also
- List of space agencies
- Timeline of space travel by nationality
- Canadian government scientific research organizations
- Canadian university scientific research organizations
- Canadian industrial research and development organizations
- Canadian Geospace Monitoring
- Science and technology in Canada
References
- ^ "The Canadian Space Agency Comes out a Winner in Conservative Budget, Sort of". SpaceREF. January 28, 2009. Retrieved 2011-05-29.
- ^ "Astronaut Steve MacLean named Space Agency chief". CTV News. September 2, 2008. Retrieved 2011-05-29.
- ^ "Steve MacLean named head of space agency". CBC News. September 2, 2008. Retrieved 2011-05-29.
- ^ Andrew B. Godefroy. Defence & Discovery: Canada's Military Space Program, 1945-1974. Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 2011. ISBN 978-0-7748-1959-6 http://www.ubcpress.ubc.ca/search/title_book.asp?BookID=299173226
- ^ Ibid, chapters 2-6.
- ^ "Canadian Space Agency Act". Department of Justice. Retrieved 2011-05-29.
- ^ "(John) Larkin Kerwin". Science.ca. GCS Research Society. Retrieved 2011-05-29.
- ^ http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/about/milestones.asp
- ^ http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/about/milestones.asp
- ^ "History of the Canadian Astronaut Corps". Canadian Space Agency. Retrieved 2011-05-29.
- ^ http://mertensiana.phys.ucalgary.ca/projectschedule.htm
- ^ theglobeandmail.com
- ^ "Polar Communication and Weather mission (PCW)". Canadian Space Agency. 2009-11-25. Retrieved 2011-05-29.
- ^ Garand, Louis; Trishchenko, Alexander P. (July 9, 2010). "Polar Communications & Weather (PCW) Mission" (PDF). THORPEX DAOS Working Group. Environment Canada. Retrieved 2011-05-29.
- ^ "Chris Hadfield Astronaut Mission - Expedition 34/35". Canadian Space Agency. 2009-11-25. Retrieved 2011-04-19.
- ^ Black, Chuck (December 29, 2010). "This Week in Space for Canada". Space Ref Canada. Retrieved 2011-05-29.
- ^ "Space agency eyes Cape Breton for satellite launch". CTV News. Canadian Press. March 28, 2010. Retrieved 2011-05-29.
Further reading
- John Melady (2011). Maple Leaf in Space: Canada's Astronauts. Dundurn Press Ltd. ISBN 978-1-55488-752-1.