Title:
Physical Properties of the Rocks Comprising Asteroid Bennu and Comparison to those of Similar Asteroid Types as Sampled by Terrestrial Meteorites
Agreement Number:
22EXPOSICA
Agreement Value:
$329,300.00
Agreement Date:
Apr 1, 2022 - Sep 30, 2026
Description:
The to-be-measured physical properties of asteroid Bennu's rocks - their strength, elasticity, seismic velocities, and
thermal conductivity - constrain aspects of its current geology and how it responds to impacts. The thermal
properties - how the asteroid absorbs, conducts, and radiates heat - influence how Bennu's orbit slowly evolves.
Bennu is comprised of rock fragments from at least one much larger parent asteroid and physical property
measurements may allow estimation of the parent's size. The University of Calgary will be concentrating on
determining the strengths, seismic velocities, and elasticity of Bennu’s returned samples
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:
Calgary, Alberta, CA T2N 1N4
Reference Number:
003-2021-2022-Q4-00045
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Additional Information:
Payment will be made over three financial years from 2021/22 to 2023/24.
Amendment Date
Oct 22, 2025
Recipient's Operating Name:
University of Calgary
Recipient's Legal Name:
University of Calgary
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.