Title:
Digital Core Electronics for a Phased Array SAR Payload
Agreement Number:
22STDPQ30
Agreement Date:
Jan 12, 2023 - Mar 29, 2023
Description:
SpaceAlpha is developing a fully digital, dual-band multi-aperture spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensor for remote sensing the earth regardless of cloud cover or daylight conditions.
This Space Technology Development Program (STDP) project aims to prototype the next generation of digital electronics at the heart of the sensor (the Digital Radio Frequency Unit, or DRFU). We approach the project using the latest Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) devices, which will bring a significant reduction in size, power and complexity to the sensor. Furthermore, the new DRFU will have the interfaces to fully interact with SpaceAlpha’s High Speed On-Board Processor (HSOBP) currently being built under a separate contract. The combination of this new DRFU and the HSOBP on a SAR satellite will enable ground-breaking real-time artificial intelligence in a spaceborne remote sensing system that is built in Canada.
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:
Vancouver, British Columbia, CA V6B 2W9
Reference Number:
003-2022-2023-Q4-00023
Agreement Type:
Contribution
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Type:
For-profit organization
Additional Information:
Late Disclosure
The contribution awarded was canceled by mutual consent on March 29, 2023
The previous value was $1,000,000; no found disbursed
Recipient's Legal Name:
SpaceAlpha Insights Corp.
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.