Title:
Pandora Mission, Unveiling the Atmospheres of Exoplanets
Agreement Number:
25EXPROSS1
Agreement Value:
$150,000.00
Agreement Date:
Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 31, 2029
Description:
NASA's Pandora mission is a pioneering astrophysics project designed to study the atmospheres of at least 20 exoplanets and their host stars. Selected as part of NASA's inaugural call for Pioneer mission concepts, Pandora is a small satellite mission slated to launch in early 2026. The mission's primary objective is to disentangle the atmospheric signals of distant planets from the light of their parent stars. To achieve this, Pandora will conduct long-duration observations, using a 0.45-meter telescope to simultaneously capture visible and near-infrared light from star systems as planets transit. This multiwavelength approach will allow scientists to better understand stellar activity and its impact on exoplanet atmosphere measurements, identifying elements like hydrogen and water or the presence of clouds. The data gathered by Pandora will complement observations from the James Webb Space Telescope, enhancing the search for habitable worlds.
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:
Sherbrooke, Quebec, CA J1M 1Z7
Reference Number:
003-2025-2026-Q4-00021
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient's Legal Name:
Bishops University
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.