Title:
The Second Generation Balloon-borne Very Large Baseline Interferometry Experiment
Agreement Number:
25FAQUB72
Agreement Value:
$291,000.00
Agreement Date:
Feb 24, 2026 - Mar 31, 2028
Description:
The Second Generation Balloon-borne Very Long Baseline Interferometry Experiment (BVEX2) aims to help astronomers map incredibly small and distant objects in space, like the regions surrounding supermassive black holes. By suspending a radio telescope from a stratospheric balloon above 99% of the Earth’s atmosphere, BVEX2 will demonstrate a new way to observe high-frequency light that is normally blocked by the atmosphere. This project will make the first demonstration that a telescope suspended from a stratospheric balloon can be used as part of an Earth-sized network of radio telescopes. The project will also serve as a pathfinder experiment that will develop technology that could be used for more sensitive high-frequency balloon telescopes to increase the number of mapped black hole shadows and eventually for a space interferometer that can map the regions around dozens of black holes.
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:
Kingston, Ontario, CA K7L 3N6
Reference Number:
003-2025-2026-Q4-00022
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Additional Information:
The amount allocated covers more than one fiscal year.
Recipient's Legal Name:
Queen's University at Kingston
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.