Grants and Contributions

Kepler proposes bringing edge computing to the Kepler Network constellation to optimize the customer experience and increase the addressable and the capturable market of the Kepler Network service (always-on connectivity in space). To develop this capability, Kepler will take a phased approach aligned and complementary to its network development and buildout:

Phase 1 – Developing edge compute hardware capable of integration with Kepler’s in space processing architecture.
Phase 2 – Integrating and validating an edge computing algorithm with the hardware from Phase 1.
Phase 3 – Replacing the Kepler spacecraft’s current Main Processing Command Unit (MPCU) with a higher bandwidth, higher performance core to enable more processing power.

High availability and high bandwidth space-to-space communication coupled with edge compute capability will be the backbone of the new space economy. Kepler is uniquely positioned to continue Canadian leadership in deployment of this critical, enabling service to the benefit of Canada and the world.

During the development of a spacecraft, a computer thermal model is developed to predict temperatures and ensure that the spacecraft components will operate within an acceptable temperature range during all phases of the mission. This model is used both during design and after launch to ensure spacecraft safety during possible operational scenarios.

A key component to these thermal models is the determination of environmental heat loads on the spacecraft. The environmental heat loads considered are typically direct and albedo solar radiation as well as infrared radiation from planets and moons. The main objective of this project is to develop advanced numerical methods using cutting edge GPU technologies for the very fast, accurate determination of these environmental loads.

The subsequent benefits to the Canadian population is that deployment of these methods will allow companies participating in space programs to design their spacecraft more reliably with a shorter product lifecycle.

The satellite market is currently shifting toward LEO constellations. Those new missions calls for phased array antennas which up to now are typically operating in single polarization. Combining two phased array antennas in a dual polarization operation represents a great advantage in terms of real estate and cost effectiveness, both aspects being crucial for satellite operators.

The project purpose is to develop the necessary technologies to enable the combination of two polarization in one phased array antenna. This requires developing antenna architecture but also advanced Radio frequency (RF) components in order to maximize efficiency and reduce the electronic front end foot print.

The expected outcome will be a reference architecture and electronics to support MDA’s new product line of dual polarization phased array antennas.

Those LEO constellations will ultimately provide broadband access to remote parts where it is not economically viable to develop traditional broadband services and help closing the digital divide.

An objective of humanity’s return to the Moon is to establish a sustained human presence. Mobility platforms equipped with capable robotic arms enables the creation of essential infrastructure and expands the tasks, capabilities, and science that astronauts can perform.

Mass and cost are key drivers for systems that will operate on the Moon. This Space Technology Develop Program (STDP) funded project will develop a novel End of Arm Compliance Mechanism (ECM) that will allow a robotic arm to perform first of a kind payload handling and installation operations equivalent to that of a 6 joint arm with only 4 joints. This results in a best in class product that is less complex, lighter, less expensive, more compact, and has a larger handling capacity than existing planetary arms. This program includes the mechanical design, development, assembly and test of an Engineering Model in a relevant environment (e.g. regolith, TVAC), advancing the technology readiness level (TRL) from 4 to 6 over 14 months.

This proposed development will enable a commercially competitive robotic system that will position Canada to have a strong role in the emerging lunar economy.

SpaceAlpha is developing a fully digital, dual-band multi-aperture spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensor for remote sensing the earth regardless of cloud cover or daylight conditions.

This Space Technology Development Program (STDP) project aims to prototype the next generation of digital electronics at the heart of the sensor (the Digital Radio Frequency Unit, or DRFU). We approach the project using the latest Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) devices, which will bring a significant reduction in size, power and complexity to the sensor. Furthermore, the new DRFU will have the interfaces to fully interact with SpaceAlpha’s High Speed On-Board Processor (HSOBP) currently being built under a separate contract. The combination of this new DRFU and the HSOBP on a SAR satellite will enable ground-breaking real-time artificial intelligence in a spaceborne remote sensing system that is built in Canada.

Teledyne Optech proposes a 3 dimensional (3D) Imaging Lidar System that provides a real-time infrared image with depth information for each pixel. This system can potentially enable spacecraft to handle complex tasks, such as scanning for suitable landing/docking locations, by producing an instantaneous 3D model of the target area without further processing or trajectory information.

This project builds on technology previously developed by Teledyne Optech under the CSA program AO 5.4 Industrial Capability-Building Contribution. This proposed project aims to optimize performance and capabilities, moving from a breadboard to a testable prototype.

The resulting product has the potential to be commercialized for terrestrial applications such as autonomous systems, emergency response, and real-time mapping systems. Furthermore, it can potentially enhance Canadian capabilities in space proximity operations by generating instant and rapidly updated 3D models of celestial objects and space environments.

This project will support the development of CubeSat re-entry technology to increase Canadian industrial capabilities of space technology, democratize the return of materials from space, and support the reusability of the satellite technology. The purpose of this project is to assess the effects of temperature in the re-entry process and determine the required form factor for CubeSats to safely return to earth. The Canadian population will benefit from supporting a Canadian technology company in increasing its product applications in the growing space market and allow for universities and their students to increase the various use cases of CubeSat research.

The proliferation of small satellites in the New Space Era has spurred the development of computational systems deployed on agile CubeSats for onboard detection of cloud and floods. There is a need for scalable space IoT frameworks for satellite edge computing (SEC): In addition to growing real-time data requirements for earth observation applications, capability to perform or offload compute on devices is critical for 1) remote areas, mountains, and sea, where ground resource and connectivity is limited 2) Delay-sensitive applications with multi-domain data for situation awareness. CSI proposes to develop an edge-AI software framework for SEC. It will increase capability of AI deployed on satellites as edge nodes while adapting to new tasks. The framework will assess models and performance to minimize bandwidth. The proposed work is demonstrated on use case in satellite processing, updating models for new scenarios onboard, and has potential for multiple satellites.

Almost all space solar modules utilize one source of space glass. Edgehog has previously demonstrated the superior light transmission of its nanotextured anti-reflection process on this industry-standard glass, showing an impressive 1% absolute gain in energy conversion efficiency. This project seeks to recreate such structures on an alternative space glass, 0214-glass, to alleviate the reliance of an entire industry on one glass supplier. Due to the different chemical composition of 0214-glass, the treatment process must be adjusted to account for differences in physical application and chemical reactivity. Successful process transfer enables further adapting the process for other glass alternatives and other applications like camera lenses. The project will also develop a mass-production lamination process, allowing the enhanced 0214-glass to become a viable alternative to the industry standard. This alleviates major risks in supply chain stability and secures this Canadian process as a crucial part of the supply chain.

This project matures the technology readiness level (TRL) of a wireless energy grid to ultimately support lunar missions in survival and operations in permanently shadowed regions. The project addresses key technical & programmatic research and development areas en route to a space demonstration, critical for supporting the early wave of lunar exploration in accordance with the Canadian Space Agency’s (CSA’s) Lunar Exploration Acceleration Program (LEAP) objectives.