Grants and Contributions:

Agreement Number:

Agreement Value:

$200,000.00

Agreement Date:

Feb 2, 2018 -

Description:

Inertial navigation is a technology that allows vehicles to determine how their position has changed over time, without needing to use outside resources (such as GPS). Currently, spacecraft operators must rely on external references such as radio tracking for navigation, but a method of autonomous navigation is highly desired for situations where ground-based communications are not possible. However, all current inertial navigation instruments suffer from an unavoidable drifting bias, causing a position error in the navigation solution which grows rapidly with time. The inaccuracy grows after a few hours to a level that is unacceptable for most space flight applications, especially for long-term exploration-class missions to other planets. Recently, Gedex developed a method using a pair of gimballed accelerometers that completely eliminates the drifting bias, slowing down the degradation of the navigation solution to the point where it can be useable for weeks or months. This revolutionary capability has immediate applications for asteroid exploration and long-duration, low-thrust space flight to other planets, and eventual applications for planetary rover exploration.

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:

Mississauga, Ontario, CA

Reference Number:

003-2017-2018-Q4-03753

Agreement Type:

Contribution

Report Type:

Grants and Contributions

Additional Information:

The amount allocated covers more than one fiscal year.

Recipient's Legal Name:

Gedex Systems 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.