Grants and Contributions

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.

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.

Current spacecraft docking systems are large and require lots of power due to the sensors used. This project develops modern monocular computer vision algorithms utilizing a combination of classical methods and artificial intelligence which enables the use of lightweight, inexpensive, and less power-intensive optical sensors when compared to Lidar and Radar sensors used in traditional spacecraft docking systems. The harsh lighting of the space environment reduces the reliability of vision-based systems. New algorithms and applied machine learning techniques are used to overcome such major challenges of vision-based spacecraft relative navigation systems. The development of such a system builds on Canada’s extensive heritage of spacecraft docking systems and has potential Earth-based applications with autonomous drones, manufacturing, agriculture robotics, and more. This project will create jobs for three highly qualified personnel and help situate Canada as an autonomy leader within the space sector.

Current spacecraft rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking systems typically rely on human-monitored or controlled Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems. This project focuses on the research and development of autonomous GNC software specifically for spacecraft rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking applications. Autonomous systems are advantageous as they allow for operation without human intervention, do not rely on intermittent communication windows, work in highly challenging environments (i.e. around the Moon or Mars), and are highly scalable. This project proposes the development of an autonomous GNC system that enables fully autonomous spacecraft docking. This project creates jobs for four highly qualified personnel and is a building block capability for the sustainable use of space through enabling satellite services such as refuelling and space debris removal, while also having Earth-based applications to make the robotics we interact with safer.

The project aims at creating a relevant environment to integrate fiber and satellite links in a combined Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network. The environment will enable development of software suitable to deploy in a satellite payload and validate key routing protocols required for a mixed fiber and satellite QKD network. Cryptography is a pillar for secure communication, enabling many of the network-based social and financial interactions at the core of the modern society and economy. Cryptographic schemes are based on sharing cryptographic keys between the communicating parties and need technologies for establishing such keys. This is a challenge particularly for Canada, due to its geographical expanse. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) aims at creating shared cryptographic keys by exploiting the fundamental laws of quantum physics. Satellite-based QKD networks working in conjunction with terrestrial QKD networks expands the limited coverage range inherent in terrestrial QKD networks.

Earth’s magnetic field is key to reliable navigation, providing heading and orientation as would a compass do. We already use a World Magnetic Model (WMM) to know which way we are headed on the street. However, the magnetic pole is moving – requiring constant updates of the WMM.

MagQSpace’s objective is to ready a high accuracy diamond based vector magnetometer for its space deployment on a CubeSat, to generate high quality magnetic field data for the WMM. SBQuantum has prototyped the technology on ground, but its operation in a space environment is still to be demonstrated. This project will test the quantum magnetometer for radiation, thermal, vibe and vacuum for its space deployment. In addition to providing the base map for all navigation systems heading measurements, the rugged magnetometer will also improve mining geological interpretation for battery minerals discoveries. It will also provide magnetic based navigation on planets where positioning network are missing.

St-Jean will construct the improved pump station.

Development of Indigenous capacity through ongoing caribou recovery actions

Canada's Fisheries Fund will transform and drive innovation in the fish and seafood sector in Canada with a focus on developing the sector to better meet growing market demands for sustainably sourced, high-quality fish and seafood products.

Retrofit of a community centre in Ottawa, ON to support community recreation and social services, including afterschool and socially inclusive recreation programs.