Title:
Reaction Wheel Development for Medium-Sized New-Space Satellite Platforms
Agreement Number:
25STDPX38
Agreement Value:
$999,951.00
Agreement Date:
Jul 31, 2025 - Mar 31, 2027
Description:
Rocket Lab Toronto is a prime global manufacturer of new-space reaction wheels with 1500+ units sold to 70+ spacecraft manufacturing companies around the world. However, all current products are suited for satellites smaller than 400 kg and not suitable for medium-sized telecommunication missions in low-earth or higher orbits which in recent years have seen a significant increase in demand.
Through design and development of a reaction wheel with larger angular momentum capacity under this project, Rocket Lab’s Toronto division will expand its reaction wheel products reach to a much larger market and new applications. It will be able to supply the Canadian sovereign telecommunication constellation needs that are currently reliant on foreign products. Rocket Lab’s “careful COTS” low-cost approach is based on research, selection, and testing of commercial components and qualifying them for severe rocket and space environments. This project benefits Canada strategically by providing it with a sovereign product. It will also add high paying jobs and bring millions of dollars of international revenue to the country.
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:
003-2025-2026-Q2-00017
Agreement Type:
Contribution
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Type:
For-profit organization
Additional Information:
STDP AO 9.1 Space R&D - Advanced Technologies
Recipient's Legal Name:
Rocket Lab Space Systems Inc.
Program:
Class Grant and Contribution Program toSupport Research, Awareness and Learningin 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.