Grants and Contributions:

Agreement Number:

Agreement Value:

$971,704.00

Agreement Date:

Apr 1, 2016 -

Description:

The threat of orbital debris impacting an operating satellite or manned spacecraft is a significant cause for concern to today's space community and a national concern for Canada's space assets. With the years, Canada's and world's Space Situational Awareness (SSA) needs are exponentially growing. To date, the U.S. military maintains the world's most extensive orbital tracking network, . Canada is actively contributing to this international space surveillance system through programs such as SAPPHIRE and NEOSSat. To improve significantly the response to the international SSA needs, NorStar Space Data Inc. (NSDI) is pursuing the development of a constellation of LEO satellites equipped with hyperspectral sensors called NorthStar. With NorthStar, it is estimated that at least 95% of all the objects in the range from 1cm to 10 cm not currently tracked will be able to be tracked and their trajectories accurately determined. In addition, the trajectory knowledge of larger, non-operational objects will be increased 100 times, thus significantly improving collision prediction with space-based assets. The primary focus of this project is to develop the ground based data analysis tools for image processing. The resulting output will be tailored towards providing satellite operators and other potential users with the information they need to monitor their assets, assess potential threats well in advance, improve knowledge both of the current situation and the accuracy of longer term projections, and make the decisions critical to the success of their missions properly and in a timely manner.

Organization:

Canadian Space Agency

Expected Results:

-Increased knowledge from research projects in priority space S&T areas (number of new and ongoing space science and technology initiatives and projects).
-Number of completed space science and technology initiatives (Announcement of Opportunity) and proj

Location:

Quebec, Quebec, CA

Reference Number:

003-2016-2017-Q1-03080

Agreement Type:

Contribution

Report Type:

Grants and Contributions

Additional Information:

The amount allocated covers more than one fiscal year.

Recipient's Legal Name:

NorStar Space Data Inc.

Program:

Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology

Program Purpose:

This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.