Title:
Development of a small scale Raman/LIF system for organic detection and characterization during space mission deployment
Agreement Number:
19FAMCMA21
Agreement Value:
$299,695.00
Agreement Date:
Feb 12, 2021 - Mar 31, 2026
Description:
Astrobiology is focused on detecting
evidence of life beyond the Earth and so
answering the age old question ""Are we
alone in the Universe?"" Yet, to date there
is very limited data from other planets or
moons about the presence and distribution
of organic molecules.
The project aims at developing a
simplified, small scale science instrument
for the detection and characterization of
organic compounds for deployment as a
component of space exploration and
astrobiology missions such as Mars 2020.
Testing the instrument using material that
contains organics that are representative
of life (e.g. environmental samples) and
organics not representative of life (e.g.
meteorites) offers insight into the
presence and type of organic matter on
solar system bodies beyond the Earth.
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:
Hamilton, Ontario, CA L8S 4L8
Reference Number:
003-2020-2021-Q4-04901
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Additional Information:
The Proponent has requested an extension of the Project completion date to March 31, 2026, at no additional cost to the CSA, in order to finalize testing on newly acquired stromatolite samples.
Amendment Date
Nov 5, 2025
Recipient's Legal Name:
McMaster University
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.