Canada awards CAD $13.2M to boost emerging space tech

Canada is awarding CAD $13.2 million to support the development of space technologies across 19 projects led by 17 Canadian companies and research organisations.

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) announced that funding will go to a diverse range of initiatives, covering areas such as artificial intelligence for mission operations, propulsion systems, lunar mobility, and space communications. Many projects aim to deliver dual-use solutions for both civilian and defence needs.

Recipients of the latest funding include companies based in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. Over 80 per cent of the organisations chosen are classified as small and medium-sized enterprises, with several engaging with the CSA for the first time.

The funding is provided through the CSA's Space Technology Development Program. Since 2008, it has awarded CAD $215 million to more than 100 organisations, facilitating the development of over 300 space-related technologies intended to support the needs of both the Canadian space sector and international collaborators.

The current set of awarded projects includes both early-stage research and near-market prototypes, with an expected project duration of up to three years. Economic benefits are anticipated within the next two to five years for organisations developing advanced technologies and within five to ten years for those working on smaller-scale or next-wave solutions.

"Innovation is Canada's engine of resilience. By investing in space technologies that serve both civil and defence needs, we are driving prosperity while safeguarding our sovereignty and security for the future," said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

Among the recipients, the Canadian Space Mining Corporation in Toronto secured CAD $1,000,000 to develop a prototype micro-modular nuclear reactor for space missions. The reactor, which will be tested without nuclear fuel, is designed to provide power for extended lunar and potential Mars missions.

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Corporation received CAD $1,000,000 each for two projects in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec. One project focuses on a phased array antenna designed to help low Earth orbit satellite constellations deliver broadband access to remote locations, and the other targets lightweight solar array technologies for satellites. The firm's Brampton, Ontario branch received the same amount to work on a traction drive system for lunar mobility, intended for use in upcoming international lunar missions.

Smaller companies also benefit from the latest disbursal. These enterprises, with up to 50 employees each, have received non-repayable contributions of up to CAD $350,000 for projects such as AI-driven space weather prediction by Perceptive Space Systems in Oakville and digital lunar simulation tools by Foundation Space Resources Corporation in Calgary.

Projects classed as next-wave technologies received up to CAD $500,000 each. Mission Control Space Services Inc. in Ottawa is developing an AI assistant to support live operations in space missions, while Bubble Technology Industries Inc. in Chalk River works on a miniaturised ion source for space exploration and security applications.