Grants and Contributions

The development of small launch vehicles and modern spacecraft requires manufacturing ultra light-weight tanks to support ever-increasing performance requirements. Additionally, expanding commercialization continually requires reducing costs, reducing production time, and increasing design flexibility and agility.

This project aims to develop novel laser welding practises and processes in order to produce lightweight and structurally rigid stainless-steel tanks for cryogenic storage, which are more cost-effective and agile compared to current options. The development of new core manufacturing technologies can be applied to future space applications (both satellites and human exploration), as well as cryogenic hydrogen storage for commercial airplanes and prismatic liquid natural gas (LNG) carriers for bulk transport of energy commodities on Earth.

Innovation in satellite communications and satellite earth observation has accelerated during the last decade. Advances in scientific instruments hosted aboard payloads, as well as high throughput communication satellites, have led to a wealth of information being handled by satellite ground stations in Canada and around the world. These spacecraft technology developments have driven a need for progress in satellite ground infrastructure.

One of the key new technologies in satellite ground stations is the transport of satellite communication signals in a digital manner rather than using conventional analog approaches. This is commonly referred to as RF over IP. However, current product offerings of this type do not work reliably in the field due to real-world conditions and impairments. This project envisions the research and development of a high performance RF over IP device that overcomes these real-world impairments by using packet forward error correction, wideband equalization, packet buffering and compression to provide robust data transfers. The benefits include easily accessible scientific earth observation data and reliable satellite communications at a reduced cost to satellite operators, both of which are favourable for a large country like Canada.

Protection of crew and equipment from space radiation (i.e., galactic cosmic radiation (GCR), solar particle events (SPEs), and neutrons generated from the interactions of the GCR and SPEs with the intervening materials) is key to successful space missions. Exposure protection and management in space is more complicated than terrestrial applications such as nuclear reactors. This is due to difficulties in defining and controlling distances from the source, the larger and higher energy radiation, variation of space radiation with time, and secondary radiation. A further unique challenge for space shielding is the limit on the overall mass load of the spacecraft (e.g., difficulty of propulsion and overall cost).

This project proposes to develop and test multifunctional nanomaterials that are lightweight, resistant against very high temperatures and can withstand mechanical loading and determine their properties under various radiation conditions. Such shielding materials can also benefit nuclear energy and nuclear medicine applications.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are a critical path for meeting clean energy demands on Earth as well as delivering sustainable power to habitats and industrial activities on the lunar surface. However, current efforts to develop novel SMRs are trailing far behind the requirements for both, to the detriment of our planet and scientific exploration. This is especially meaningful in Canada’s Arctic, where diesel generators are accelerating ice melt to disastrous and irreversible effects on the world’s climate. SMR requirements sit at the nexus of timing, technology gaps, and iconic Canadian strengths, and represent a generational opportunity for Canada to lead on the world stage. CSMC has reviewed Canada's rich heritage in nuclear reactors and has determined that by revitalizing a proven and iconic Canadian technology, Canada can propel itself to the forefront of delivering clean, reliable and safe nuclear power, both terrestrial and lunar fission power, years ahead of competing efforts.

Thermal infrared images from satellites have applications that are increasingly important as the global climate changes, including detecting agricultural water use and crop health, environmental monitoring, and wildfire detection. Accurately imaging in these wavelengths is much more challenging than imaging visible light; the satellite and lens glow from blackbody radiation, causing errors in the product that must be carefully removed. Expensive large satellite missions accomplish this with complex calibration systems installed on the satellite. These satellites, due to construction expense, are few and coverage is not ideal for high-cadence monitoring. Multiple less expensive small satellites can achieve excellent coverage but cannot include significant on-board calibration because of mass and budget trade-offs.

This work will develop sophisticated on-ground processing for thermal images using advanced modeling, comparison to ground monitoring stations and other satellites. This cutting-edge technology will be offered as part of the EarthPipeline Software as a Service, providing a new generation of small satellite operators with a significantly higher quality flow of this critical data.

The project will build on heritage technology from GHGSat, and its partners with lessons learned from a predecessor project supported by the Science and Technology Development Program (STDP) as well as updated simulations and operational experience from GHGSat’s existing satellite constellation.

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.