Grants and Contributions:

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Title:

Proof of Concept of Innovative High-Strength Aluminum Alloy to Reduce Mass of Components in Space Applications

Agreement Number:

25STDPY09

Agreement Value:

$348,750.00

Agreement Date:

Aug 29, 2025 - May 31, 2028

Description:

Scalium™ is an innovative, ultra-resistant aluminum-scandium alloy, originally developed by Ferreol Technologies for the alpine skiing industry. With exceptional mechanical properties, Scalium™ currently outperforms typical aluminum alloys used across various industrial sectors. Initially produced in thin sheets, the alloy has now attracted major interest in the aerospace sector, where it could significantly reduce the weight of spacecraft components. This weight reduction would in turn lower operational costs, decrease the carbon footprint of space launches, and increase the capacity to integrate additional high-value equipment. The present project aims to adapt Scalium™ into thick plates suited to aerospace industrial requirements. Following successful preliminary laboratory tests, the goal is to develop the large-scale manufacturing process, characterize its performance, and demonstrate its feasibility to specialized companies. One concrete application would target the next generation of Canadian satellites.

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:

Quebec, Quebec, CA G1P 2J1

Reference Number:

003-2025-2026-Q2-00028

Agreement Type:

Contribution

Report Type:

Grants and Contributions

Recipient Type:

For-profit organization

Recipient's Operating Name:

Ferreol Technologies

Recipient's Legal Name:

9480-3798 Québec Inc.

Program:

STDP AO 9.2 Space R&D – Small Businesses

Program Purpose:

Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan is focused on three priority areas to spur innovation: People, Technologies, and Companies. Working with industry, the Government of Canada will encourage innovation by increasing its support for basic research and development (R&D) in space technology development. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is issuing this Announcement of Opportunity (AO) to support the development of Canadian industrial capabilities in the area of space technologies with the aim of increasing the commercial potential of Canadian space companies to capture global opportunities.

It is paramount that the Canadian space industry remains strong, healthy and relevant, and that it has the required readiness to respond to national demand and the necessary competitiveness to secure an increased share of commercial and institutional markets worldwide. Only through innovation and continued investments in R&D can Canada ensure that it has the industrial depth and breadth to remain a valued player in the international arena.

In light of the above, this AO concerning Space R&D - Small Businesses will award non-repayable contributions up to $350,000 per space technology project and limited to small companies (up to a maximum or 50 employees).