Title:
ACCESS : Acessing spaCE through Private miSSions
Agreement Number:
25EXPROSS3
Agreement Value:
$225,000.00
Agreement Date:
Mar 17, 2026 - Mar 31, 2029
Description:
Astronauts return from space with anemia but the mechanisms causing anemia are not known. During longer space missions to the Gateway, Moon or Mars, astronauts must stay safe from severe anemia. This project aims to address outstanding questions on the mechanism of space anemia. Distinctively, this project will access astronauts taking part in both private as well as space administration missions. Using cryopreserved whole blood samples collected from three international space missions, this project will investigate the subpopulation of hemolyzed red blood cells, hemoglobin gene-switching, specific red blood cell anomalies, and the dose-dependent effects of radiation on space anemia, all using state-of-the-art methods often applied for the first time to space samples.
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:
Ottawa, Ontario, CA K1N 6N5
Reference Number:
003-2025-2026-Q4-00025
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient's Legal Name:
Ottawa 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.