Grants and Contributions

This project will extend the Environment Canada Carbon Assimilation System (EC-CAS) to assimilate CO observations from the Measurement Of Pollution In The Troposphere (MOPITT) satellite instrument. The measurements will be used to better quantify the potential impact of model errors on the CO source estimates and thus reduce the uncertainty on the regional source estimates. This will allow the Canadian Space Agency to use space-based solutions to assist Government of Canada organizations in delivering their mandate in environmental monitoring.

This project will extend the Environment Canada Carbon Assimilation System (EC-CAS) to assimilate CO observations from the Measurement Of Pollution In The Troposphere (MOPITT) satellite instrument. The measurements will be used to better quantify the potential impact of model errors on the CO source estimates and thus reduce the uncertainty on the regional source estimates. This will allow the Canadian Space Agency to use space-based solutions to assist Government of Canada organizations in delivering their mandate in environmental monitoring.

The University of Calgary operates the CASSIOPE science satellite. The ePOP payload generates a large amount of highly valuable science data on the impact of space weather on the ionosphere. This grant will support the calibration, documentation and sharing of these data to increase their use, for the benefit of Canadians.

This project is supported within the framework of a Canadian Space Agency Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for Space Exploration Science Definition Studies. The focus of this award is Mars Sample Return (MSR) Sample Analysis Approaches. The project will be co-ordinated with a CSA-led Analogue Mission Deployment.

This project is supported within the framework of a Canadian Space Agency Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for Space Exploration Science Definition Studies. The focus of this award is ‘MICRO life detection platforms for Mars Sample Return Protocols and Planetary Protection'. The project will be co-ordinated with a CSA-led Analogue Mission deployment.

This project entitled « Reduced gravity flights to examine ExoMars rover wheel-soil interactions » aims at studying the effects of gravity on planetary rover driving performance. The entrapment of the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit in soft soil and the tears and punctures in the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover's wheels demonstrate some of the current challenges of roving on Mars.
The project will advance knowledge of how reduced gravity affects wheel-soil interactions for rovers. The terramechanics dataset includes visually capturing soil flow processes below the wheel, contributing to knowledge of regolith geophysical processes in reduced gravity. Better understanding of rover-terrain interactions will have a broad and long-term impact in the field of terramechanics by addressing known problems of using classical approaches in a planetary context. Such advances will also have a broad, long-term impact beyond their field by increasing rover safety and performance, which translates to higher scientific return for future space missions.

This project entitled « MAGnetometer Integrating Controlled Attitude with Low-noise Science (MAGICALS) » the MAGnetometer Integrating Controlled Attitude with Low-noise Science (MAGICALS) team will design, develop, test and validate an innovative integrated attitude actuation and scientific magnetic monitoring subsystem, for cube and nanosatellite applications. Miniaturizing subsystems is critical to the future utilisation of space for Canadian benefit. MAGICALS will address challenges of accurate maneuvering, essential for Earth observation and other applications. It will open the door to constellation class nanosatellite missions by enabling low noise magnetic measurements by cube satellites.

This project entitled «Next Generation Large Aperture Interferometer for GOSAT and CrIS» through various projects over the years, Canada has positioned itself favourably as a provider of optical solution for space-based Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FTS) applications. Space FTS technology is considered to be a Canadian signature technology. The proposed project is titled: “Next Generation Large Aperture Interferometer for GOSAT and CrIS“. The goal is to offer a subsystem that enables improved signal to noise ratio with no degradation of spectral resolution in a smaller and more cost effective package than would otherwise be achieved with more traditional approaches. The proposed interferometer will be designed, breadboarded and tested in representative environmental conditions.

This project entitled « HiCIBaS - High-Contrast Imaging Balloon System » aims to develop and test a promising new type of Low-Order Wave Front Sensor (LOWFS) to study and characterize its performance at 40 km and the typical PSF instabilities and anomalies encountered in near space in the visible. The stratospheric balloon is a perfect platform to test advanced technologies on a space-like environment before their use for space applications. This test bed will allow further expansion into a more complete high contrast imaging observatory to be flown for dedicated exoplanet candidate observations.
This project aims to increase our knowledge bydeveloping and testing a generic precision pointing telescope system that can be used in future missions requiring sub-milli-arcsecond level pointing (e.g. high contrast imaging missions).

This project entitled « Energetic Particle Explorer (EPEx) » consists of three balloon flights to be launched in summer 2017, each flight will carry two made in Canada instruments. The instruments will examine the impact of high-energy particles raining down on Earth's atmosphere. These particles are episodically released from Earth's Van Allen radiation belts and strike the atmosphere over Canada and other Northern countries. This information will increase our understanding of high-energy particle precipitation and its effect on our environment.