Grants and Contributions

The Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) is a global network of scientific radars monitoring conditions in the near-Earth space environment. The radars allow researchers to observe how space weather conditions drive charged particle flows in the Earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere. These changes are connected to disturbances in space and on Earth that affect critically important modern infrastructure, including satellites, power grids, pipelines, radio communications and space station radiation hazards.

This proposal will operate 19 existing magnetic observatories in the CARISMA network to provide freely available science measurements in support of satellite missions such as CSA's Cassiope/ePOP, NASA's THEMIS, ESA's Swarm and JAXA's Arase.

Based on recent advances in analytical optical spectroscopic techniques using laser ablation, a more compact and versatile instrument is presented. It will allow analysis without any sample preparation and with the analytical instrument at a distance from the sample. The instrument combines LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) and LAMIS (Laser Ablation Molecular Isotopic Spectrometry) technologies, and when used while exploring extraterrestrial environments it will provide isotopic analyses with a precision that can help our understanding of how these bodies came to be, their continuing dynamics, and even give clues to biologically related processes. The primary challenge of this AO 6.2 Space in R&D is to determine the best implementation of combining the LAMIS method with LIBS (and possibly Raman operation) to determine isotopic elemental composition and quantification for different targets. As a second challenge, the proposal includes the development of a robust system that can be applied in other fields such as nuclear science, geology and archeology among other emerging needs of the marketplace. Supporting this technology development and pioneering this field will place Canada in an excellent position for future space exploration missions to the moon, asteroids, comets, Mars as well as other astro-biologically targeted missions

The purpose of CASSAVA:PEARL project is to use the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL), a virtual space station on the ground, to provide the next generation of atmospheric scientists with unique training experiences that will equip them with the skills required to keep Canada at the forefront of space research.

The scientific objectives of this project extend from the development of techniques for remote operation and automation of instruments, through improved data analysis methodologies, to the use of PEARL measurements of atmospheric composition, aerosols, and clouds to validate satellite data products. Benefits for Canada will include new expertise in atmospheric measurement techniques and enhanced atmospheric measurement capabilities in the High Arctic.

SpaceBridge, as a pioneer in satellite ground-based technology, has planned to provide capabilities required for Industry 4.0, to accommodate Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) in order to facilitate concepts such as Cloud-based computing, Network Function Virtualization (NFV), Internet of Things (loT) alongside with RAN. Adding Low Earth Orbit constellation requirements for terminals will require unique features such as beam/satellite handover and heritage in the design of a universal terminal satisfying all these needs.

This reality and business direction has lead SpaceBridge to propose to design a new satellite modem with MEC and LEO capability that is compatible with the major requirements being demanded in the evolving Industry 4.0 revolution.

The Integrated Ka-band Satellite Terminal with Direct Modulation and featuring Green power saving technology is a satellite communications device installed at a customer premise to enable Internet access. The terminal is intended for two-way satellite communication purposes using Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO) satellites. Such satellite terminal can be used for many applications such as broadband Internet access in remote locations, point-of-sales transaction (PoS), the Internet of Things (loT), SCADA transmission, radio frequency identification data (RFID) and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications. The proposed development will produce the world's first green technology friendly satellite terminal with up to 90% reduction in power requirements.

Astrobiology and the search for life in our solar system is a major focus of planetary exploration. Life detection instruments available are currently focused on identification of habitable environments or on detection of presence of life; these instruments remain relatively high mass, large in size, and have high energy requirements.

The project aims to further develop two detection platforms for space exploration and optimize these components in an end-to-end space-like mission using analogue environments in the Canadian high Arctic. The proposed instrumentation and platform could be robotized and integrated into future planetary exploration space missions attached to surface rover platforms for instance. Due to their portable nature, these systems have applications in industry for field detection and identification of microorganisms in remote extreme environments, as well as health care settings.

Space technology is strategically important to Canada due to its critical role in linking together a vast and sparsely populated country. There is a need to protect our valuable space assets from collision threat with space objects for sustainable use of space.

The project goal is the technology development of artificial intelligence (AI) enhanced track and capture of space objects by space robotic manipulators for collision avoidance. The project is also aiming at training space scientists and engineers in a space mission like environment with hands-on experiences in order to acquire space science and technology knowledge and skills sought by the industry. The proposed technology can also be used to position Canada's commercial space sector to help grow the economy and create the jobs of the future.

Within the frozen water part of the Earth, spatial patterns and timing of landscape freeze/thaw (FT) state transitions are highly variable with measurable impacts to climate and hydrological processes. Satellite microwave measurements at various frequencies have been utilized to identify melt onset and landscape FT state, but with some limitations.

The project goal is to provide improved seasonal FT information across various landscapes in Canada using multi-sensors microwave data. The development of the algorithm will be based on a large data record of soil temperatures networks from many of Canada's land cover types. The project will have substantial contribution to space science and technology to improve climatological, meteorological and hydrological process understanding and for model development and refinement efforts.

A series of missions have captured observations of the lunar surface, which together with analysis of lunar samples and lunar meteorites has led to advancements in our understanding of the origin and geology of the Moon. However, there are still many unanswered questions, such as whether the Moon has a differentiated core and whether there was a period of cataclysmic bombardment.

This project will address key questions related to impact cratering on the Moon, for example, determining what types of rocks and what impact setting(s) provides the most accurate age for a crater. The project will train and equip Canadian students with the skills necessary to participate in future lunar missions. In addition to being important for lunar exploration, an understanding of impact cratering processes and products are important for Earth and other planetary bodies.