Title:
Advanced Technology Platform for Very High-Resolution (VHR) Optical Payloads
Agreement Number:
26STDPAA03
Agreement Value:
$999,657.00
Agreement Date:
Aug 31, 2026 - Jul 17, 2028
Description:
Growing geopolitical instability has led many nations to reassess their dependence on foreign providers for high-resolution satellite imagery, which is increasingly critical for national security applications such as threat detection, asset monitoring, mission planning, and post-event assessment. Very High Resolution (VHR) imaging from space—on the order of 50 cm GSD from 500 km altitude—remains the only way to obtain detailed aerial intelligence without entering another nation’s airspace. Achieving this level of performance requires telescopes of comparable aperture and optical systems operating near the diffraction limit, with micro-level dimensional stability under thermal variations and launch vibrations. Additionally, imaging at orbital speeds demands detectors capable of operating far faster than conventional video systems. Leveraging its extensive heritage, personnel, and infrastructure, ABB aims to establish a Canadian capability in space-based VHR optical instruments, enabling competitive solutions for domestic and international customers and redefining the price-performance benchmark in this field.
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 0B2
Reference Number:
003-2026-2027-Q2-00025
Agreement Type:
Contribution
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Type:
For-profit organization
Amendment Date
0001-01-01T00:00:00
Recipient's Operating Name:
ABB Inc
Recipient's Legal Name:
ABB Inc
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.