Title:
The Western Skylark: a 3U CubeSat for next-generation tracking of migratory wildlife using the Motus and ICARUS telemetry systems (3U)
Agreement Number:
22CUBUWO16
Agreement Value:
$350,000.00
Agreement Date:
Mar 17, 2023 - Feb 28, 2026
Description:
Movement is fundamental to the lives of animals, and due to the seasonality at high latitudes a high proportion of Canada’s wildlife is migratory. Understanding the life cycles and threats to these animals requires detailed information about migratory routes and timing, as well as sources of mortality. The Motus Wildlife Tracking System is a ground-based network of receivers for tracking radio-tagged animals. ICARUS uses sophisticated Global Positioning System (GPS) and multisensory transmitters, but currently lacks a space-based platform to receive data from the transmitters. The Western Skylark CubeSat will provide space-based data collection for both Motus and ICARUS to give near real time capabilities to the data flow from these systems. This project will demonstrate the full potential of these two systems while collecting novel data on migratory songbirds, waterbirds, and shorebirds. A 3U CubeSat with both Motus and ICARUS transponders will act as a relay collecting data from remote Motus ground stations and retransmitting that data back to the ground station at Western University.
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:
London, Ontario, CA N6A 5B8
Reference Number:
003-2022-2023-Q4-00070
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Additional Information:
The amount allocated covers more than one fiscal year.
Recipient's Legal Name:
The University of Western Ontario
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.