Title:
Hemispherical Camera for Space Situational Awareness
Agreement Number:
20STDPN06
Agreement Value:
$452,694.00
Agreement Date:
Jul 8, 2020 - Sep 30, 2023
Description:
The number of satellites and debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is increasing rapidly over time and few options exist to remove or mitigate their presence. Therefore, Space Situational Awareness (SSA) of objects in the vicinity of (or on course toward) a host satellite or space station is becoming more important, to improve risk management through advanced planning of active manoeuvres and to generally understand the debris population in LEO, for which there is a gap in publicly available information for objects below 10 cm cross-section.
MDA will develop and characterize a compact hemispherical lens assembly coupled to an innovative and high-sensitivity detector. The performance of the hemispherical camera will push range and resolution beyond what is available elsewhere. This project is a key stepping stone for MDA to develop a future multi-sensor SSA product that allows operators to survey and react to objects in their asset's vicinity, creating Canadian capability at the forefront of technology that supports understanding and mitigation of the growing problem of LEO over-population.
Organization:
Canadian Space Agency
Expected Results:
The Research component of the program 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.
Location:
Kanata, Ontario, CA K2K 1Y5
Reference Number:
003-2020-2021-Q2-04573
Agreement Type:
Contribution
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Type:
For-profit organization
Additional Information:
The amount allocated covers more than one fiscal year.
Amendment 5: changed end date
Amendment Date
Mar 29, 2023
Recipient's Legal Name:
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Inc. (Formerly Neptec Design Group)
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.