Description:
The Research component of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Class Grant and Contribution Program to support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.
The Announcement of opportunity “ Flights for the Advancement of Science and Technology (FAST)” aims at:
- Fostering the continuing development of a critical mass of researchers and HQP by providing a training ground for both the current and next generation of scientists and engineers;
- Supporting the development of science and technology relevant to the priorities of the CSA through the use of research platforms including stratospheric balloons, aircraft, sounding rockets, nanosatellites, cubesats, ground-based facilities and field sites.
More specifically, this project is entitled “The CAnadIan FTir Observing Network (CAFTON): Training the Next Generation of Atmospheric Scientists”.
CAFTON is a new network of nine Fourier transform infrared spectrometers that will serve as a “ground-based
satellite” for continuous atmospheric measurements over Canada. These measurements will be integrated with the
GEOS-Chem global model and the STILT regional model to characterize atmospheric composition, determine
transport pathways, and identify pollution sources. The project will expand Canadian capacity in several areas of
direct relevance to future space missions: (1) atmospheric measurement capabilities; (2) retrieval strategies; (3)
modelling capabilities; (4) national and international partnerships, and (5) validation of satellite missions. The project
will train 12 undergraduates, eight graduate students and two postdoctoral fellows.