Grants and Contributions:

Development of a Miniaturized Ion Source for Space Exploration

25STDPZ03

$499,913.00

Aug 1, 2025 - Dec 31, 2026

Active interrogation techniques using neutron beams are typically used for material identification and elemental analysis over a broad spectrum of space and terrestrial applications. Space applications include searching for volatiles, geological characterization, and (eventually) prospecting to enable mining and in-situ resource utilization; applications on Earth include explosives and narcotics detection in security arenas. BTI is proposing to develop a simple, miniature, ruggedized ion source as a component of future neutron generators and ion-beam probes. The miniaturized device will help accommodate payload mass and volume constraints, while the low complexity will reduce fabrication costs and improve reliability. In many surveying applications, there is a desire to use a broadly dispersed beam rather than one intense point source. An affordable, miniature ion source could be used to populate an interrogation zone with an array of many small generators, thereby offering a unique capability relative to the current state-of-the-art.

Canadian Space Agency

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.

Chalk River, Ontario, CA K0J 1J0

003-2025-2026-Q2-00037

Contribution

Grants and Contributions

For-profit organization

Bubble Technology Industries Inc.

STDP AO 9.3 Space R&D – Next wave of technologies

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 - Next wave of technologies will award non-repayable contributions up to $500,000 per next wave space technology project that expect commercial potential in the medium to long term (i.e., five to ten years).