Grants and Contributions

Astrobiology is focused on detecting
evidence of life beyond the Earth and so
answering the age old question ""Are we
alone in the Universe?"" Yet, to date there
is very limited data from other planets or
moons about the presence and distribution
of organic molecules.

The project aims at developing a
simplified, small scale science instrument
for the detection and characterization of
organic compounds for deployment as a
component of space exploration and
astrobiology missions such as Mars 2020.
Testing the instrument using material that
contains organics that are representative
of life (e.g. environmental samples) and
organics not representative of life (e.g.
meteorites) offers insight into the
presence and type of organic matter on
solar system bodies beyond the Earth.

The objective of this project is to demonstrate software technology and provide ground software and mission operations support in navigation and science for a lunar rover mission. This project will realize key elements of Mission Control's product roadmap by demonstrating a set of critically enabling technologies and capabilities in mission operations, onboard autonomy, and artificial intelligence.

The project will be the first of its kind to use new computing architectures to enable advanced algorithms to automate resource-constrained rovers. It will advance the state-of-the-art in lunar rover concepts of operations and investigate what optimal levels of autonomy are required to maximise mission objectives. It will serve as the first known in-space demonstration of a deep learning algorithm operating on the surface of the Moon. The project will also provide disruptive innovations in demonstrating how software-defined systems can be used to lower development and deployment costs of mission software, while enhancing mission capabilities

Title: Space-Based Analytics Solutions for Mitigating Rain Fade

Use real-time precipitation data, AI and machine learning to predict rain fade attenuation and enable a more reliable connection for critical infrastructure and Internet connection.

Most propellant fuels come with inherent caveats such as difficult handling, high toxicity, difficult storage, as well as performance compatibility specific to liquid-fuel engines. Hybrid engine launch vehicles have recently gained attention as promising alternatives to conventional launch vehicles. ACSYNAM is developing new propellant additives that will increase the performance of hybrid launch vehicles. The new technology is based on a proprietary materials platform that enables the development of high-energy, high-safety additives to improve the combustion and mechanical properties of hybrid engines. The propellant will be designed to be easily integrated into existing hybrid engine fuel mixtures.

There is currently a strong, and growing, demand for technologies and products in autonomous robotic applications for many sectors, including space, to improve productivity, repeatability and safety while operating reliably in harsh environments. While Lumibird's Obscurant Penetrating LIDAR (OPAL) is being integrated in many projects (e.g. mining, airports and subsea inspection & mapping), the widespread adoption of LIDAR based vision systems is constrained by their overall envelope (mass, size, power) and cost.

The objective of this project is to design, develop and test a fully integrated prototype of the OPAL Nano LIDAR based vision system for autonomous robotic applications, specifically targeted at new-space lunar missions. This project aims to achieve a next-generation LIDAR system that would drastically reduce the system's mass, size and power consumption footprint. This new system will leverage aspects of both commercial and space designs, which in turn will reduce costs and generate sales in emerging automation markets.

Xiphos Systems Corporation will develop and qualify the Q7AE, a new addition to its family of high-performance and low size, weight, and power (SWaP) COTS-based processors. The Q7AE (“Advanced Edition”) will be a key element of a new generation of satellites that enable low-cost space science, earth observation, space weather, synthetic aperture radar, IoT and communications missions for commercial, government, and space agency customers. This product is targeted at applications where strict adherence to radiation upset rate and availability targets must be met for demanding missions. The Q7AE will be distinguished as a processor optimized to provide high reliability and performance in harsh radiation environments. As a ready-made, flexible solution, this product will the reduce cost, risk and development time of demanding, long-duration, and high-LEO missions.

Xiphos Systems Corporation will develop and qualify the Q7AE, a new addition to its family of high-performance and low size, weight, and power (SWaP) COTS-based processors. The Q7AE (“Advanced Edition”) will be a key element of a new generation of satellites that enable low-cost space science, earth observation, space weather, synthetic aperture radar, IoT and communications missions for commercial, government, and space agency customers. This product is targeted at applications where strict adherence to radiation upset rate and availability targets must be met for demanding missions. The Q7AE will be distinguished as a processor optimized to provide high reliability and performance in harsh radiation environments. As a ready-made, flexible solution, this product will the reduce cost, risk and development time of demanding, long-duration, and high-LEO missions.

The surface of Mars has been under
exploration by landers and orbiters for
decades. From the planetary geologists
point of view, there are three critical
pieces of information that enable us to
determine the rock type: mineralogy,
chemical composition, and textures.
Mineralogy is the most important of these.
Most rover instruments measure chemical
information from minerals. It is desirable
to deploy an instrument to obtain
complementary crystal structural
information from minerals.

The project will enable continued
development and testing of a Miniaturized
in situ X-ray Diffractometer for
Mineralogical Characterization of Planetary
Surfaces (ISXRD), to perform in situ
analysis on intact Mars-analogue samples on
Earth, with the goal of eventual deployment
on Mars. Furthermore, another objective is
to develop a Mars-relevant sample
collection for testing purposes.

Canada’s annual assessed contribution to the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Basic Activities for the calendar year 2021.

The 43rd Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Scientific Assembly is a conference with the objective of promoting scientific research in space on an international level, with emphasis on the exchange of results, information and opinions. This conference, hosted as a hybrid event (both in-person and virtual) in Sydney, Australia from January 28 to February 4, 2021, provides a forum for the discussion of problems that may affect scientific space research. Postsecondary students attending this conference are offered a unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge of space science, develop their international networks, and present their research at a well-established and prestigious forum to a respected audience. Under the Canadian Student Participation in the COSPAR Scientific Assembly Announcement of Opportunity (AO), and as part of its commitment to support the development of the next generation of space professionals in Canada, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) awarded grants to graduate students (master's and doctoral) to participate in this assembly. The grant provided financial support to the student to cover the registration fees associated with their virtual participation in COSPAR.