Grants and Contributions

Following the JWST ERS and Cycle 1 GO Announcement of Opportunity published on June 14, 2021, the CSA is providing funding via a Grant Agreement to the university to conduct their research using the JWST data.

This project will target the stellar-mass black hole V404 Cyg combining JWST and ALMA observations. The black hole pulls material off the companion star, some of which can be transported back outwards in the form of a jetted outflow. The project will observe how the millimeter/infrared emission varies with wavelength and time in the lowest luminosity states. Such novel observations allow for detailed tests of competing models for emission near black holes, and reveal crucial insights into black hole physics, stellar evolution, and jet formation.

This project addresses the overarching goal of Improving Space Weather Radiation Belt and Ring Current Loss Models. In particular, the project will focus on utilizing GO Canada data, and additional supporting data sets, to deliver a better understanding of a new and previously ignored “missing loss process” impacting electron ring current and radiation belt dynamics. The overall goal will be to develop models for this new loss process which will be incorporated into, and improve, current space radiation models. This research is expected to have significant impacts, advancing state-of-the-art space weather models.

Through its provision of key instrumentation to the European Space Agency’s Swarm satellite mission, now operating at the upper reaches of Earth’s atmosphere for nearly a decade, Canada has extensive experience in the study of Earth’s space plasma environment. Swarm’s observations have contributed significantly to the understanding of the Sun-Earth connection and its impact on humanity. The project proposed here is designed to leverage this expertise and Swarm’s scientific findings to contribute to the development and operation of NASA’s Geospace Dynamics Constellation mission, which will probe the coupled magnetosphere-ionosphere-atmosphere system beginning in the early 2030’s.

The objective of this research is to develop a forecast model for the probability of scintillation occurrence in GNSS signals over the Canadian Arctic with a high temporal and spatial resolution during quiet and disturbed geomagnetic conditions. The model will use 15 years of Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Network (CHAIN) GNSS scintillation monitors collected data to infer statistical patterns, and solar wind parameters measured at the Lagrange point to propagate predictions into the future. The model code will be publicly available for use in scientific research and navigation systems operations worldwide.

The objective of this research is to develop an atmospheric drag model that incorporates the effects of solar activity, atmospheric density, satellite altitude and geomagnetic activity. Atmospheric drag effects cause large and unpredictable uncertainties in orbit determination/prediction, particularly during periods of highly active space weather. By analyzing and modeling the atmospheric drag forces acting on the CASSIOPE satellite, the researchers seek to understand the temporal and spatial variability of these forces and their effects on satellite orbit, altitude decay and lifetime. These findings will contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of the Earth's atmosphere and its impact on space-based assets.

This research is to advance understanding of the interaction of the 'atmosphere' of the Sun, which interacts with the upper 'atmosphere' (above 100 km) of the Earth. These interactions cause space weather which may have adverse effects on our modern technology. This research will improve our understanding of how high frequency radio waves propagate through the upper atmosphere or ionosphere. Radio waves are essential for communications in northern Canada and for polar commercial airline flights. Better understanding will minimise adverse effects on radio communications for society through analysing and modelling observations obtained from the Canadian scientific satellite mission ePOP/CASSIOPE/Swarm E.

This project will focus on analysis of data from the CSA-supported OSIRIS instrument. We will analyze the retrieved aerosol and investigate the systematic impacts in order to understand the limitations of the OSIRIS measurements of Hunga Tonga aerosol. This research responds directly to CSA objectives by applying satellite data analysis of this record breaking volcanic eruption to improve understanding of extreme events and climate change. This work will transfer knowledge to government to improve climate prediction and adaptation. This project will train young researchers and contribute to new understanding of satellite remote sensing and the study of climate from space.

High-latitude surface water dynamics are complex, fast-moving, and driven by snow, rainfall, ice, and permafrost. Modeling efforts to understand the mechanisms, and to predict variability due to natural processes and climate change, often lack basic hydraulic measurements, or the spatial and temporal coverage, or the information is poor. In particular, glacial lake dynamics are poorly constrained, yet critically important as they can induce positive feedbacks to the glacier (via rapid melting). The proposed research will use ICESat-2 laser altimetry data to investigate how glacial lake elevations and discharge vary as the lakes grow or shrink in area.

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 Mackenzie River Basin (MRB) in Canada’s North is one of the most important river systems in North America with competing needs of humans, ecosystems and industry. Climate change has altered temperature and precipitation patterns in the region, and is expected to intensify in the coming decades. Scientists rely on computer models of the water cycle to make predictions that can help society to adapt to this change. This proposal uses satellite measurements of the atmosphere and land surface to help improve these models, to make more accurate predictions of water availability for society and industry in the MRB.