Title:
The GigaBIT Observatory: Integration and Flight Testing of the Optical Telescope Assembly
Agreement Number:
21FATORA22
Agreement Value:
$299,585.00
Agreement Date:
Mar 24, 2023 - Jan 31, 2026
Description:
Balloon-borne visible and near-UV telescopes can achieve a resolution over a wide field
much better than can be achieved on the ground, and comparable only with space telescopes. The resolution achievable with visible light astronomical telescopes from the ground is limited by random refraction of light by the turbulent atmosphere to ~0.5” in the best conditions. Conversely, stratospheric balloon-borne telescopes, operating above 99.5% of the Earth’s atmosphere, avoid atmospheric distortions present in ground-based telescopes. The capability of the instrument to be developed by this project will be unmatched in the blue and near-UV by any current or planned observatory.
This project will provide exceptional training for students in the development and operation of complex instruments in a space-like environment. The GigaBIT observatory will take images with detail comparable to NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, but with a much higher sensitivity. With the development of that unique capability, Canada has the opportunity to lead the next great sky survey, with a suite of unmatched abilities: an angular resolution better than the Euclid space telescope, with depths several magnitudes deeper than its deep survey, while operating in the near UV.
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:
Toronto, Ontario, CA M5G 1L5
Reference Number:
003-2022-2023-Q4-00007
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Additional Information:
The amount allocated covers more than one fiscal year.
Recipient's Legal Name:
The Governing Council of the University of Toronto
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.