Title:
Next Generation Star Tracker Development
Agreement Number:
24STDPU34
Agreement Value:
$999,279.00
Agreement Date:
Jul 22, 2024 - Apr 30, 2026
Description:
Rocket Lab Toronto has successfully manufactured and sold ST-16RT2 star trackers to the global small satellite market for 10 years. The ST-16TR2 product is well positioned for low Earth orbit missions, however, it was not designed for missions operating in more severe environments. Following Rocket Labs “careful COTS” approach, this project will undertake research, selection, and tests of commercial components to qualify them for severe environments. These components will be used to develop a new star tracker product suitable for a broader range of environments, increasing the market accessible to Rocket Lab star tracker products. This development will benefit Canada by providing a sovereign star tracker product for satellite missions. It is also the first step towards further developments of the product for future Space Situational Awareness purposes that is critical in providing Canadians' security and defense capability.
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 M5V 1G1
Reference Number:
003-2024-2025-Q2-00044
Agreement Type:
Contribution
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Type:
For-profit organization
Recipient's Legal Name:
Rocket Lab Space Systems Inc.
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.