Grants and Contributions

This project aims to fully develop a technology to monitor cardiovascular health of astronauts with zero-effort. Coded Hemodynamic Imaging is a novel, non-contact method of tracking measures of human health and well-being by pairing machine learning algorithms with wide-field imaging by a camera system capable of processing light from the visible and near infrared spectra. In addition to facilitating future space exploration, this technology has potential applications to a wide range of human health conditions on Earth which could benefit from zero-effort, continuous monitoring of cardiovascular health.

The MAPLE project aims to advance the development of a small panoramic camera system developed for spaceflight and intended to be used to investigate the Martian atmosphere from the surface. The instrument will be enhanced in order to allow the MAPLE system to examine the vertical distribution of dust and ice aerosols near the surface and to constrain the size and shape of these particles. As our models of the Martian environment are derived from terrestrial weather forecasting models, proper validation at Mars will improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasting on Earth.

The RDAX project aims to quantify the amount and distribution of high-energy particles deposited during geomagnetic storms by using Canadian-made X-ray imagers placed on 15 high-altitude balloons. The instrument will take images of high-energy particles striking the atmosphere. The data will allow researchers to disentangle the causes of high-energy particle precipitation and its effect on our environment.

The HELIX project will measure the energetic particles bombarding the Earth, known as cosmic rays, using a detector carried to an altitude of 45 km by a stratospheric balloon launched from the coast of Antarctica.

The flight will result in data that will lead to a deeper understanding of the magnetic fields and interstellar material in our region of the Milky Way galaxy. In particular, it will help determine the origin of the rising fraction of energetic antimatter which has been found in the cosmic rays.

Water rock reaction, known as serpentinization, has the potential to support life on other worlds (planets and moons). Detecting life at sites of serpentinization on other worlds requires the ability to find serpentization sites and detect biosignatures.

The SERP project aims to develop, deploy, and validate geophysical, spectral and remote sensing methods to detect surface and sub-surface expressions of serpentinization. It will help detect serpentinized springs and identify biosignatures of current life and biomarkers of past life.

This project will investigate the best ways to preserve samples returned from future missions. The team will develop and refine advanced methods for astromaterials curation, which is the preservation of the intrinsic properties of samples through the use of materials, tools, and enclosures. This project will help extend Canada's leadership in cold curation.

Exploring the nature of the universe at its earliest times is one of the most exciting scientific goals in cosmology today. SPIDER is a polarimeter designed to test our most fundamental theories of the beginning of the universe by measuring or constraining the amplitude of primordial gravitational waves.

SPIDER is a set of six telescopes that observe the oldest light we can see, the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation. The second stratospheric balloon flight of SPIDER will take place as part of this project, to observe the Cosmic Microwave Background polarization at three wavelengths. It will be able to produce very high-sensitivity dust maps, allowing for much better removal of foreground dust and better imaging. An efficient suite of software tools will also be developed in order to analyze the raw data from the balloon payload. The data will allow for the testing of fundamental cosmology theories.

This project will study low-cost satellite production methods and navigation and control systems that will make space missions more accessible to mid-sized companies and universities. Research includes using drones to test new systems that can be used to improve docking and guidance operations on future deep space missions and how drones can be used to explore other planets. This project will position Canada as a leader in satellite control technologies and innovative space systems. It will showcase Canadian satellite engineering expertise, foster technology development, and strengthen the Canadian space industry through the development of highly qualified personnel.

Earth observation using constellations of satellites is an emerging market that calls for improved building blocks to capture precise images of Earth's surface at lowest possible cost.

This project targets improvements on three key attributes of a spaceborne precision camera system. A new compact wide-field telescope will demonstrate reduced straylight contamination on the detector. Compact radiometric, spectral and flat fielding calibration unit will be demonstrated for operation in flight. Finally an active secondary mirror will demonstrate an ability to compensate for spacecraft pointing jitters or short duration tracking of ground targets. The results of this project will position Canada to offer low cost, mass production of compact, telescope fore-optics for Earth observation satellite constellations. They will contribute to the global effort by private sector aiming at offering new earth vision-derived digital services (natural disasters, improved farming and pollution control to name a few).

Lidar systems use lasers to measure range and are useful for everything from guiding cars on city streets to surveying asteroids in space.

This project will study how to combine smaller, lighter components in a new way to develop a more powerful, compact 3D imaging system for use in future space exploration missions. The smaller, more efficient design will help spacecraft dock with each other, guide autonomous rovers on other planets, help drones create 3D maps, and prevent collisions in marine locks. This project will allow Canadian industry to pursue market opportunities in mobile mapping, security, and automotive markets. This innovation will also provide more accurate environmental data and benefit the mining and forestry industries.