Grants and Contributions

The purpose of this grant is to provide support to a Canadian user of the ASTROSAT satellite. This project is for the analysis of the observations of the binary start Hercules X-1 and of the galaxy M31.

The Command & Data Handling (C&DH) unit is a satellite's control centre, providing the spacecraft platform with control and monitoring of all subsystems. With the increase in demand for smaller platforms and constellations, more compact and capable C&DH units are required. As a result, a significant amount of innovation is needed to combine all of the necessary functions into a smaller, more compact unit.

MDA will develop new portions of the C&DH unit, while creating innovative methods to reduce mass, power, cost, and resource utilization, and maximizing performance, reliability and flexibility.

Mass and size have always been design drivers for space applications. Launch costs and a continuous drive towards increased on-orbit capability mean that a significant premium is placed on any reduction in mass and/or volume of a product.

COM DEV will develop a new output network targeting a 30% reduction in mass and size. The output network is a collection of hardware utilized for recombining high-power amplified signals into a uniform beam for broadcast back to Earth. This proposed miniaturized output network will introduce novel designs, new materials and processes, and streamlined manufacturability for schedule and cost.

Future exploration of our solar system will require continuous innovation and improvements to in-space propulsion.

Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Aethera Technologies is developing critical technology for advanced in-space electric propulsion. Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR®) technology has extremely low fuel consumption and much higher performance when compared with conventional chemical propulsion or other electric rockets. The technology offers economic and operational advantages in space commerce, including satellite deployment, re-boost services, refurbishment, and end-of-life disposal. This technology advances humanity's evolution beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) and significantly contributes to the world's technology base for the exploration of space. Leveraging Aethera's expertise in the field of High-Power Radio Frequency systems, the project focuses on the development of Radio Frequency Power Processing Units with extremely high electrical energy conversion efficiencies and mass density.

Computer processors have increased in power dramatically over the last several years. This means that processing functions that used to require dedicated hardware can now be handled by much simpler hardware, such as the Central Processing Unit (CPU) found in a typical general-purpose computer.

Square Peg Communications will adapt signal processing operations fundamental to satellite communications so that they no longer require specialized hardware. This approach will allow for a less costly and complex system, greatly increase system capacity, and avoid obsolescence for the foreseeable future.

At present, communication satellites rely on radio frequencies to relay data, which transmit at a much slower speed than terrestrial optical fibre links. Areas of Earth where optical fibre connectivity is prohibitively expensive or impractical rely on communications satellites to connect to the Internet, putting them at a disadvantage compared to urban areas.

MPB Communications will design and qualify a family of innovative optical amplifiers for space-borne laser communication terminals (LCTs). Advances in LCTs will enable remote regions to enjoy the same Internet connectivity as metropolitan areas. This will enable improved monitoring and protection of these regions, especially in the areas of environmental observation, weather forecasting, and climate change surveillance.

Directing intelligent efforts in the fight against climate change demands more and more accurate climate critical data.

Calibration blackbodies in infrared Earth observation instruments help ensure the accuracy of radiometric measurements, which can be used to reveal changes over time in our atmosphere and landscape. This project will evaluate and validate two new technologies that could greatly improve the radiometric accuracy of calibration blackbodies.

Light detection and ranging (lidar) sensors are essential tools used for a variety of tasks such as terrestrial topographic mapping, navigation and docking in space, and landings on planets or asteroids.

Teledyne has proposed to develop a compact array sensor. The improved lidar system will reduce the size and weight of the equipment, while increasing the range, coverage rate, and resolution of mapping technologies.

A light detection and ranging (lidar) 3D imaging sensor uses lasers to produce representations of an environment or object. Lidar is crucial for robotic navigation technologies. A small, low-cost, lighting-immune 3D sensor is highly desired for potential future planetary rover missions.

Neptec is proposing the development of a next-generation miniaturized lidar platform which addresses customer needs and future trends in both terrestrial and space markets. This will be accomplished through the manufacture and testing of two mini lidar prototypes, one focusing on performance and readiness for flight, and the other prioritizing miniaturization over performance. These projects will leverage Neptec's experience and expertise in developing lidar systems for space, using the successful TriDAR as a foundation for the proposed architecture.

Advances in satellite transmission technology mean that customers transmit over a much broader spectrum of frequencies than they did 30 years ago. Current amplifiers, designed for a smaller range, struggle with deteriorating signals which affects service for customers.

Advantech Wireless will address that problem through a method of signal correction and a power amplifier module. This design has transferrable applications and could provide an alternative to technologies in other markets that are currently insulated from competition.