Canadian Space Agency#CSA astronauts

{{Short description|Government agency}}

{{Use Canadian English|date=April 2023}}

{{Infobox government agency

| agency_name = Canadian Space Agency

| nativename = {{nativename|fr|Agence spatiale canadienne}}

| logo = Canadian Space Agency Logo Vertical 2023.png

| logo_caption = CSA logo

| logo_width = 200px

| seal = Canadian Space Agency Coat of Arms.svg

| seal_width = 100px

| seal_caption = CSA coat of arms

| formed = {{start date and age|1989|3|1}}

| jurisdiction = Government of Canada

| headquarters = John H. Chapman Space Centre, Longueuil, Quebec

| coordinates = {{coord|45.52239|-73.39582|type:landmark_region:Canada| display=inline, title}}

| employees = 948{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/innovation/human-resources-statistics/population-federal-public-service-department.html|title=Population of the federal public service by department|year=2020}}

| budget = {{increase}} {{CAD|615.4}}{{nbsp}}million (2023){{cite web|url=https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/recgen/cpc-pac/2023/vol2/isde-ised/dba-bda-eng.html|title=Section 15: Innovation, Science and Industry|year=2023}}

| minister1_name = Anita Anand

| minister1_pfo = Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry

| chief1_name = Lisa Campbell

| chief1_position = President

| website = {{official URL}}

| chief2_name = John Moores

| chief2_position = Science Advisor

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}}

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA; {{langx|fr|Agence spatiale canadienne, ASC}}) is the national space agency of Canada, established in 1990 by the Canadian Space Agency Act.{{cite web |author=Staff writer |author-link1= |year=2025 |location=Paris, France |title=Canadian Space Agency (CSA) |script-title= |title-link= |url=https://www.iafastro.org/membership/all-members/canadian-space-agency.html |url-access= |trans-title= |department= |website=www.iafastro.org |script-website= |trans-website= |language= |agency=International Astronautical Federation |page= |pages= |arxiv= |asin= |asin-tld= |bibcode= |bibcode-access= |biorxiv= |citeseerx= |doi= |doi-access= |doi-broken-date= |eissn= |hdl= |hdl-access= |isbn= |ismn= |issn= |jfm= |jstor= |jstor-access= |lccn= |medrxiv= |mr= |oclc= |ol= |ol-access= |osti= |osti-access= |pmc= |pmc-embargo-date= |pmid= |rfc= |sbn= |ssrn= |s2cid= |s2cid-access= |zbl= |id= |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-format= |archive-date= |access-date=13 March 2025 |quote-page= |quote-pages= |quote=International Astronautical Federation (IAF) member since 1970 |script-quote= |trans-quote= |ref= |postscript=}}{{cite web |author=Staff writer |author-link1= |year=2025 |location=Vienna |title=Worldwide Space Agencies: Canada |script-title= |title-link= |url=https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/space-agencies.html |url-access= |trans-title= |department=United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs |website=/www.unoosa.org |script-website= |trans-website= |language= |agency=United Nations Office at Vienna |arxiv= |asin= |asin-tld= |bibcode= |bibcode-access= |biorxiv= |citeseerx= |doi= |doi-access= |doi-broken-date= |eissn= |hdl= |hdl-access= |isbn= |ismn= |issn= |jfm= |jstor= |jstor-access= |lccn= |medrxiv= |mr= |oclc= |ol= |ol-access= |osti= |osti-access= |pmc= |pmc-embargo-date= |pmid= |rfc= |sbn= |ssrn= |s2cid= |s2cid-access= |zbl= |id= |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-format= |archive-date= |access-date=13 March 2025 |quote-page= |quote-pages= |quote= |script-quote= |trans-quote= |ref= |postscript=}}

The president is Lisa Campbell, who took the position on September 3, 2020.{{Cite web|title=Lisa Campbell becomes the first woman to head the Canadian Space Agency|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/lisa-campbell-canada-space-agency-1.5710881}} The agency is responsible to the minister of innovation, science and industry. The CSA's headquarters are located at the John H. Chapman Space Centre in Longueuil, Quebec. The agency also has offices in Ottawa, Ontario, and small liaison offices in Houston, Washington, and Paris.{{cite web|url=http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/rpp-2015.asp|title=Canadian Space Agency 2015–16 Report on Plans and Priorities|year=2015|access-date=2016-05-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616054802/http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/rpp-2015.asp|archive-date=2016-06-16|url-status=dead}}

History

The origins of the Canadian upper atmosphere and space program can be traced back to the end of the Second World War.Andrew B. Godefroy. Defence & Discovery: Canada's Military Space Program, 1945–1974. Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 2011. {{ISBN|978-0-7748-1959-6}} http://www.ubcpress.ubc.ca/search/title_book.asp?BookID=299173226 Between 1945 and 1960, Canada undertook a number of small launcher and satellite projects under the aegis of defence research, including the development of the Black Brant rocket as well as series of advanced studies examining both orbital rendezvous and re-entry.Andrew B. Godefroy. Defense & Discovery: Canada's Military Space Program, 1945–1974. Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 2011. {{ISBN|978-0-7748-1959-6}}, chapters 2–6. In 1957, scientists and engineers at the Canadian Defence Research Telecommunications Establishment (DRTE) under the leadership of John H. Chapman embarked on a project initially known simply as S-27 or the Topside Sounder Project. This work would soon lead to the development of Canada's first satellite known as Alouette 1.

With the launch of Alouette 1 in September 1962, Canada became the third country to put an artificial satellite into space. At the time, Canada only possessed upper atmospheric launch capabilities (sounding rockets), therefore, Alouette 1 was sent aloft by the American National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc, California. The technical excellence of the satellite, which lasted for ten years instead of the expected one, prompted the further study of the ionosphere with the joint Canadian-designed, U.S.-launched ISIS satellite program. This undertaking was designated an International Milestone of Electrical Engineering by IEEE in 1993. The launch of Anik A-1 in 1972 made Canada the first country in the world to establish its own domestic geostationary communication satellite network.{{Cite web|url=https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/anik-a.htm|title=Anik A 1, 2, 3|website=space.skyrocket.de|access-date=2019-05-04}}

These and other space-related activities in the 1980s compelled the Canadian government to promulgate the Canadian Space Agency Act, which established the Canadian Space Agency. The act received royal assent on May 10, 1990, and came into force on December 14, 1990.[http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-23.2/index.html Canadian Space Agency Act] (S.C. 1990, c. 13); SI/TR/91-5, The Canada Gazette, Part II, Vol. 125, № 1 (1991-01-02), p. 74.

The mandate of the Canadian Space Agency is to promote the peaceful use and development of space, to advance the knowledge of space through science and to ensure that space science and technology provide social and economic benefits for Canadians. The Canadian Space Agency's mission statement says that the agency is committed to leading the development and application of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity.

In 1999, the CSA was moved from project-based to "A-base" funding and given a fixed annual budget of $300 million. The actual budget varies from year to year due to additional earmarks and special projects. In 2009, Dr. Nicole Buckley was appointed chief scientist of life science.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/50739.html|title=IA Institute Advisory Board Members – Biographies - CIHR|last=Government of Canada|first=Canadian Institutes of Health Research|date=2003-04-30|website=www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca|access-date=2019-11-06}}

=Presidents=

  • 1989 – May 4, 1992—Larkin Kerwin{{cite web|url=https://www.science.ca/scientists/scientistprofile.php?pID=409|title = (John) Larkin Kerwin|work = Science.ca|publisher = GCS Research Society|access-date = 2011-05-29}}
  • May 4, 1992 – July 15, 1994—Roland Doré[https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/about/milestones.asp Canadian Space Milestones - Canadian Space Agency]. Asc-csa.gc.ca. Retrieved on 2013-08-21.
  • November 21, 1994 – 2001—William MacDonald Evans{{cite web|title = William MacDonald Evans Receives Canadian Space Award|url = http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/william-macdonald-evans-receives-canadian-space-award-1648431.htm|website = Marketwire|access-date = 2016-02-01|archive-date = 2017-10-22|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171022081136/http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/william-macdonald-evans-receives-canadian-space-award-1648431.htm|url-status = dead}}
  • November 22, 2001 – November 28, 2005—Marc Garneau[https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronauts/history_astro.asp] History of the Canadian Astronaut Corps. Retrieved on 2014-05-04
  • April 12, 2007 – December 31, 2007—Larry J. Boisvert{{cite web|title = The Commercial Space Blog|url = https://acuriousguy.blogspot.com/2010/09/that-true-how-do-you-know-does-anyone.html|access-date = 2016-02-01|first = Chuck|last = Black}}
  • January 1, 2008 - September 2, 2008—Guy Bujold
  • September 2, 2008 – February 1, 2013—Steven MacLean[http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/fra/media/communiques/2013/0115.asp Steve MacLean annonce son départ de l'Agence spatiale canadienne - Agence spatiale canadienne] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130204100321/http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/fra/media/communiques/2013/0115.asp |date=2013-02-04 }}. Asc-csa.gc.ca (2013-01-15). Retrieved on 2013-08-21.
  • February 2, 2013 – August 5, 2013—Gilles Leclerc (interim){{citation needed|date=November 2017}}
  • August 6, 2013 – November 3, 2014—Walter Natynczyk
  • November 3, 2014 - March 9, 2015—Luc Brûlé, Interim{{cite web|url=http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/about/president.asp|title=Luc Brûlé, Interim President, Canadian Space Agency|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304005931/http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/about/president.asp|archive-date=2014-03-04}}
  • March 9, 2015 - September 14, 2020—Sylvain Laporte{{cite web|url=http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2015/02/27/pm-announces-change-senior-ranks-public-service|title=PM announces a change in the senior ranks of the Public Service|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150310021302/http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2015/02/27/pm-announces-change-senior-ranks-public-service|archive-date=2015-03-10}}
  • September 14, 2020 – present—Lisa Campbell{{Cite web|title=Canadian Space Agency set to get first female president as space race gains steam|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7314891/canadian-space-agency-lisa-campbell-2/|access-date=2020-10-09|website=Global News|language=en-US}}

=Cooperation with the European Space Agency=

The CSA has been a cooperating state of the European Space Agency (ESA) since the 1970s{{cite book | url = https://www.esa.int/esapub/hsr/HSR_25.pdf | title = Canada and The European Space Agency: Three Decades of Cooperation | first = Lydia | last = Dotto |date=May 2002 | publisher = European Space Agency }}{{cite news | title = ESA and Canada renew partnership in space science and technology | date = 15 December 2010 | url= https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Welcome_to_ESA/ESA_and_Canada_renew_partnership_in_space_science_and_technology | work = European Space Agency | access-date = 2014-02-02}} and has several formal and informal partnerships and collaborative programs with space agencies in other countries, such as NASA, ISRO, JAXA, and SNSA.

Canada's collaboration with Europe in space activities predated both the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency. From 1968, Canada held observer status in the European Space Conference (ESC), a ministerial-level organization set up to determine future European space activities, and it continued in this limited role after ESA was created in 1975. Since January 1, 1979, Canada has had the special status of a "Cooperating State" with the ESA, paying for the privilege and also investing in working time and providing scientific instruments that are placed on ESA probes. Canada is allowed to participate in optional programs; it also has to contribute to the General Budget but not as much as associate membership entail. This status was unique at the time and remains so today.

On 15 December 2010, the accord was renewed for a further 10 years, until 2020. By virtue of this accord, Canada takes part in ESA deliberative bodies and decision-making and in ESA's programmes and activities. Canadian firms can bid for and receive contracts to work on programmes. The accord has a provision specifically ensuring a fair industrial return to Canada. The head of the Canadian delegation to ESA is the president of the Canadian Space Agency. As of February 2009, there are currently 30 Canadians that are employed as staff members at ESA. (Distributed over various ESA sites: 20 at ESTEC; 4 at ESOC; 4 at ESA HQ; 2 at ESRIN).

Canadian space program

File:Canadarm 1 - STS-72.jpg (right) during Space Shuttle mission STS-72]]

File:STS-111 Installation of Mobile Base System.jpg]]

The Canadian space program is administered by the Canadian Space Agency. Canada has contributed technology, expertise and personnel to the world space effort, especially in collaboration with ESA and NASA. In addition to its astronauts and satellites, some of the most notable Canadian technological contributions to space exploration include the Canadarm on the Space Shuttle and Canadarm2 on the International Space Station.

Canada's contribution to the International Space Station is the $1.3 billion Mobile Servicing System. This consists of Canadarm2 (SSRMS), Dextre (SPDM), mobile base system (MBS) and multiple robotics workstations that together make up the Mobile Servicing System on the ISS. The Canadarm, Canadarm2 and Dextre all employ the Advanced Space Vision System, which allows more efficient use of the robotic arms. Another Canadian technology of note is the Orbiter Boom Sensor System, which was an extension for the original Canadarm used to inspect the Space Shuttle's thermal protection system for damage while in orbit.{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight/system/rtfupgrades_partII.html|title=NASA - Shuttle in Shipshape: Part II|first=Charlie Plain|last=KSC|website=www.nasa.gov|access-date=2017-11-21|archive-date=2022-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324232952/https://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight/system/rtfupgrades_partII.html|url-status=dead}} Before the Space Shuttle's retirement, the boom was modified for use with Canadarm2; STS-134 (the Space Shuttle program's penultimate mission) left it for use on the ISS.

= CSA astronauts{{anchor|Canadian_astronauts}} =

{{see also|Canadian Astronaut Corps}}

There have been four recruiting campaigns for astronauts for the CSA. The first, in 1983 by the National Research Council, led to the selection of Roberta Bondar, Marc Garneau, Robert Thirsk, Ken Money, Bjarni Tryggvason and Steve MacLean. The second, in 1992, selected Chris Hadfield, Julie Payette, Dafydd Williams and Michael McKay. On May 13, 2009, it was announced after the completion of a third selection process that two new astronauts, Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques, had been chosen.{{cite web

|url = https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronauts/history_astro.asp

|title = History of the Canadian Astronaut Corps

|date = 31 March 2008

|publisher = Canadian Space Agency

|access-date = 2011-05-29}} The latest recruitment campaign was launched in 2016, attracting 3,772 applicants for 2 candidates.{{cite web |url = http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/search/images/watch.asp?id=6171 |title = Canadian Space Agency 2016 Recruitment Campaign Statistics |access-date = 2016-09-05|date = 2014-02-10 }} In 2017, Joshua Kutryk and Jennifer Sidey were chosen.{{cite news |last1=Waitte |first1=Cbris |title=Meet Jennifer Sidey and Joshua Kutryk, Canada's newest astronauts |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/meet-jennifer-sidey-and-joshua-kutryk-canadas-newest-astronauts/article35532315/ |access-date=9 January 2019 |work=The Globe and Mail |date=2 July 2017}}

Nine Canadians have participated in 17 crewed missions in total: 14 NASA Space Shuttle missions (including one mission to Mir) and 3 Roscosmos Soyuz missions.{{cite web|title=History of the Canadian astronaut corps|url=https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronauts/canadian/history-of-the-canadian-astronaut-corps.asp|publisher=Canadian Space Agency|date=January 10, 2020|access-date=January 14, 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/canada-s-astronauts-1.875983|title=Canada's astronauts|date=September 2, 2010|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=January 14, 2023}}{{cite web|title=Canada Celebrates Launch of First Astronaut in 6 Years|first1=Elizabeth |last1=Howell |date=December 4, 2018|url=https://www.space.com/42613-canada-celebrates-astronaut-launch-david-saint-jacques.html|publisher=space.com|access-date=January 14, 2023}} Two former Canadian astronauts never flew in space: Michael McKay resigned for medical reasons{{cite web | url =https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/astronaut | title =Canadian astronauts | last =Dotto | first =Lydia | date =October 13, 2009 | website =The Canadian Encyclopedia | publisher =Historica Canada | access-date =January 22, 2019 | quote =In 1995, McKay left active astronaut duty for medical reasons, but he continued to work in the astronaut program, supporting Canadian shuttle flights until 1997.}} and Ken Money resigned in 1992, eight years after his selection.{{cite web | url =https://www.canadiangeographic.ca/article/canadian-space-agency-astronaut-profiles | title =Canadian Space Agency astronaut profiles | last =Rosano | first =Michela | date =October 1, 2014 | website =Canadian Geographic | publisher =The Royal Canadian Geographical Society | access-date =January 22, 2019}}

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
+ Canadian Space Agency astronauts
scope="col" style="width:110px;"|Name

! scope="col" style="width:80px;"| Launch
Vehicle

! scope="col" style="width:100px;"|Mission

! scope="col" style="width:120px;"|Launch date

! scope="col" | Notes

scope="row" |Marc Garneau

|Challenger

|STS-41-G

|align="right"|October 5, 1984

|First Canadian in space

scope="row" |Roberta Bondar

|Discovery

|STS-42

|align="right"|January 22, 1992

|First Canadian woman in space

scope="row" |Steven MacLean

|Columbia

|STS-52

|align="right"|October 22, 1992

|

scope="row" |Chris Hadfield

|Atlantis

|STS-74

|align="right"|November 12, 1995

|Only Canadian to visit Mir

scope="row" |Marc Garneau

|Endeavour

|STS-77

|align="right"|May 19, 1996

|First Canadian to return to space

scope="row" |Robert Thirsk

|Columbia

|STS-78

|align="right"|June 20, 1996

|

scope="row" |Bjarni Tryggvason

|Discovery

|STS-85

|align="right"|August 7, 1997

|

scope="row" |Dafydd Williams

|Columbia

|STS-90

|align="right"|April 17, 1998

|

scope="row" |Julie Payette

|Discovery

|STS-96

|align="right"|May 27, 1999

|First Canadian to visit the International Space Station

scope="row" |Marc Garneau

|Endeavour

|STS-97

|align="right"|November 30, 2000

| ISS mission. Return to space (third visit)

scope="row" |Chris Hadfield

|Endeavour

|STS-100

|align="right"|April 19, 2001

| ISS mission. Return to space (second visit). First spacewalk by a Canadian

scope="row" |Steven MacLean

|Atlantis

|STS-115

|align="right"|September 9, 2006

| ISS mission. Return to space (second visit); spacewalk

scope="row" |Dafydd Williams

|Endeavour

|STS-118

|align="right"|August 27, 2007

| ISS mission. Return to space (second visit); spacewalk

scope="row" |Robert Thirsk

|Soyuz-FG

|Soyuz TMA-15

|align="right"|May 27, 2009

| ISS Expedition 20 and Expedition 21. Return to space (second visit). First flight on a Russian launch vehicle by a Canadian. First Canadian on a permanent ISS crew. First time two Canadians were in space simultaneously (with Payette)

scope="row" |Julie Payette

|Endeavour

|STS-127

|align="right"|July 15, 2009

| ISS mission. First Canadian woman to return to space. First time two Canadians were in space simultaneously (with Thirsk). Largest gathering of humans (13) in space, as seven STS-127 arrivals join 6 already on ISS. Largest gathering (5) of nationalities in space, as the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada, and Belgium have astronauts together on ISS. Last Canadian to fly on a US Space Shuttle.

scope="row" |Chris Hadfield

|Soyuz-FG

|Soyuz TMA-07M

|align="right"|December 19, 2012

| ISS Expedition 34 and Expedition 35. Return to space (third visit). First Canadian commander of a spacecraft, first Canadian Commander of a permanent ISS crew.

scope="row" |David Saint-Jacques

|Soyuz-FG

|Soyuz MS-11

|align="right"|December 3, 2018

| ISS Expedition 58 and Expedition 59.

On December 19, 2012, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield launched aboard a Soyuz spacecraft to reach the International Space Station. This mission marked the completion of NASA's compensation to Canada for its contribution to the Shuttle and International Space Station programs, meaning that there were no confirmed remaining space flight opportunities for Canadian astronauts.{{cite web

|url = http://spaceref.ca/this-week-in-space-for-canada/this-week-in-space-for-canada-34.html

|archive-url = https://archive.today/20130115143509/http://spaceref.ca/this-week-in-space-for-canada/this-week-in-space-for-canada-34.html

|url-status = dead

|archive-date = January 15, 2013

|title = This Week in Space for Canada

|last = Black

|first = Chuck

|publisher = Space Ref Canada

|date = December 29, 2010

|access-date = 2011-05-29

}} In June 2015, the Canadian government announced a renewed commitment to the International Space Station, securing flights for both of Canada's remaining active astronauts.{{cite news|title=Canada's newest astronauts will fly to space by 2024|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/canada-s-newest-astronauts-will-fly-to-space-by-2024-1.3096762|access-date=15 September 2015|work=CBC.ca|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=June 2, 2015}} In May 2016, the CSA announced that David Saint-Jacques would fly to the International Space Station aboard a Roscosmos Soyuz rocket in November 2018 for 6 months, as part of the Expedition 58/59 crew.{{cite web|title=Canadian Astronaut David Saint-Jacques - Mission|date=16 May 2016 |url=https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/missions/expedition58-59/default.asp}} The crew of the Artemis 2 lunar flyby mission will include a CSA astronaut, the first Canadian to travel beyond low Earth orbit, under the terms of a 2020 treaty between the United States and Canada.{{cite news |last1=Connolly |first1=Amanda |title=A Canadian astronaut will be on NASA's Artemis deep space lunar orbit |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7525408/nasa-artemis-program-canadian-astronaut-moon/ |access-date=December 16, 2020 |work=Global News |date=December 16, 2020}}

=Canadian satellites=

File:Alouette 1.jpg was the first satellite built by a country other than the United States or Soviet Union.]]

class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
style="background:#f7f7f7;"

!Name

!Launched

!Retired

!Purpose

Alouette 1

|align="right"|September 29, 1962

|1972

|Ionosphere research

Alouette 2

|align="right"|November 29, 1965

|August 1, 1975

|Ionosphere research

ISIS 1

|align="right"|January 30, 1969

|1990

|Ionosphere research

ISIS 2

|align="right"|April 1, 1971

|1990

|Ionosphere research

Hermes

|align="right"|January 17, 1976

|November, 1979

|Experimental communications satellite

RADARSAT-1

|align="right"|November 4, 1995

|March 29, 2013

|Commercial Earth observation satellite{{cite press release |url=http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/media/news_releases/2013/0509.asp |title=RADARSAT-1: Seventeen Years of Technological Success |access-date=2013-05-30 |publisher=Canadian Space Agency |date=9 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624011736/http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/media/news_releases/2013/0509.asp |archive-date=24 June 2013 }}

MOST

|align="right"|June 30, 2003

|March, 2019

|Space telescope

SCISAT-1

|align="right"|August 12, 2003

|In service

|Earth observation satellite (atmosphere)

RADARSAT-2

|align="right"|December 14, 2007

|In service

Commercial Earth observation satellite
NEOSSat

|align="right"|February 25, 2013

|In service

Monitoring of near-Earth objects[http://science.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/25/17088187-indian-rocket-launches-asteroid-hunter-6-other-satellites?lite Indian rocket launches asteroid hunter, 6 other satellites - NBC News.com]. Science.nbcnews.com (2013-02-25). Retrieved on 2013-08-21.
Sapphire

|align="right"|February 25, 2013

|In service

Military space surveillance[https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/SSTLs_40th_satellite_platform_launch_Sapphire_reaches_orbit_999.html SSTL's 40th satellite platform launch: Sapphire reaches orbit]. Spacedaily.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-21.
BRITE

|align="right"|February 25, 2013

|In service

Space telescope[http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/media/news_releases/2013/0225.asp Canada Stays at the Forefront of Space Telescope Technology with the Launch of New Surveillance Satellite - Canadian Space Agency] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301092811/http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/media/news_releases/2013/0225.asp |date=2013-03-01 }}. Asc-csa.gc.ca (2013-02-25). Retrieved on 2013-08-21.
CASSIOPE

|align="right"|September 29, 2013

|In service

| Ionosphere research, experimental telecommunications{{cite news |last=Foust|first=Jeff |title=After Dragon, SpaceX's focus returns to Falcon |url=http://www.newspacejournal.com/2013/03/27/after-dragon-spacexs-focus-returns-to-falcon/ |access-date=2013-04-05 |newspaper=NewSpace Journal |date=2013-03-27 }}{{cite web |last=Graham|first=Will |title=SpaceX successfully launches debut Falcon 9 v1.1 |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/09/spacex-debut-falcon-9-v1-1-cassiope-launch/ |publisher=NASASpaceFlight |access-date=29 September 2013 |date=2013-09-29 }}

M3MSat

|align="right"|June 22, 2016

|In service

Communications satellite{{cite web|title=M3MSat CSA Satellite Page|url=https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/satellites/m3msat/default.asp|date=2013-01-14}}
RADARSAT Constellation

|align="right"|June 12, 2019

|In service

Commercial Earth observation satellite

Additionally, there are commercial satellites launched by the telecommunications company Telesat, a former Crown corporation that was privatized in 1998. These are the Anik satellites, the Nimiq satellites (all currently used by Bell Satellite TV), and MSAT-1. Further, technology and research satellites have been developed by UTIAS-SFL,{{cite web|url=https://utias-sfl.net/|title=University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies - Space Flight Laboratory|access-date=23 April 2016}} including the CanX program, ExactView-9, and GHGSat-D.

=International projects=

The CSA contributes to many international projects, including satellites, rovers, and space telescopes. The CSA has contributed components to ESA, NASA, ISRO, JAXA, and SNSB projects in the past.{{cite web|url=https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/satellites/|title=List of CSA Satellites|access-date=23 April 2016|date=2007-12-18}} Recently, Canada contributed the Fine Guidance Sensor to NASA's James Webb Space Telescope.{{cite web|url=https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/satellites/jwst/default.asp|title=CSA Fine Guidance Sensor/James Webb Space Telescope Information|access-date=23 April 2016|date=2011-02-18}}

class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
style="background:#f7f7f7;"

! Name

! Country

! Primary Agency

! Launch Date

! Canadian contribution

! Notes

UARSUnited StatesNASA1991Wind Imaging Interferometer (WINDII){{cite web|url=https://wdc.dlr.de/sensors/windii/|title=WINDII Imaging Interferometer (WINDII)|access-date=10 January 2019|archive-date=27 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127095228/http://wdc.dlr.de/sensors/windii/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.trentu.ca/academic/windii/|title=Trent University WINDII Project Home Page|access-date=10 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060719174228/http://www.trentu.ca/academic/windii/|archive-date=19 July 2006|url-status=dead}}PI: Gordon G. Shepherd, York; CAL
InterbolRussiaRSA1996Ultraviolet Auroral Imager(UVI) instrumentPI: L.L. Cogger, U Calgary; CAL
NozomiJapanISAS1998Thermal Plasma Analyzer (TPA) instrumentPI: Andrew Yau, U Calgary; CAL/COM DEV; Canada's first interplanetary mission
FUSEUnited StatesNASA1999Fine Error SensorCOM DEV
TerraUnited StatesNASA1999MOPITT (Measurements of Pollution in The Troposphere)PI: Jim Drummond; COM DEV
OdinSwedenSNSA2001OSIRIS (Optical Spectroscopic and Infrared Remote Imaging System)PI: Doug Degenstein, University of Saskatchewan; Routes
EnvisatEuropeESA2002ESA collaboration
CloudSatUnited StatesNASA2006Radar componentsCOM DEV
THEMISUnited StatesNASA2007Automated ground observatories
PhoenixUnited StatesNASA2007Meteorological stationFirst Canadian component on Mars; confirmed snow on Mars
HerschelEuropeESA2009HIFI Local Oscillator Source UnitCOM DEV
PlanckEuropeESA2009ESA collaborationPI: J. Richard Bond, University of Toronto and Douglas Scott, University of British Columbia
Proba-2EuropeESA2009Fiber Sensor DemonstratorMPB Communications Inc.
|

| SMOS

EuropeESA2009ESA collaboration
CuriosityUnited StatesNASA2011APXS instrument
SwarmEuropeESA2013Electric Field Instrument (EFI)COM DEV
AstrosatIndiaISRO2015Precision detectors for the twin UV and visible imaging telescopes (UVIT)PI: John Hutchings
Astro-HJapanJAXA2016Canadian Astro-H Metrology System (CAMS)Contact lost March 26, 2016
OSIRIS-RExUnited StatesNASA2016OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter (OLA)First Canadian component on a sample return mission
JWSTUnited StatesNASA2021Fine Guidance Sensor/Near Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (FGS/NIRISS)PI: René Doyon, {{Lang|fr|Université de Montréal|italic=no}}
SWOTUnited StatesNASA2022Extended interaction klystrons (EIKs) for the radar.Communications & Power Industries Canada Inc.

Additionally, Canadian universities and aerospace contractors, including the University of Calgary,{{cite web|url=https://www.ucalgary.ca/aurora/|title=University of Calgary Auroral Imaging Group|access-date=27 April 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.phys.ucalgary.ca/sp/index.html|title=UCalgary Space Plasma Research|access-date=27 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220090007/http://www.phys.ucalgary.ca/sp/index.html|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=dead}} UTIAS-SFL, COM DEV, MDA, Magellan Aerospace, Telesat and others, have provided components to various international space agencies.

=Facilities=

A number of launch facilities have been used by the Canadian Space Agency and its predecessors:

Canada

United States

Other international

Future programs

With the successful launching of Radarsat-2 in December 2007 and completion of Canada's {{CAD|1.4}}{{nbsp}}billion contribution to the International Space Station in early 2008, the CSA found itself with no major follow-on projects. This fact was highlighted by Marc Garneau, Canada's first astronaut and former head of the CSA, who in the fall of 2007 called upon the Canadian government to develop and institute a space policy for Canada.

A modest step has been taken to resolve this problem. In November 2008, the Agency signed a $40 million 16-month contract with MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates of Vancouver (now MDA) to begin the design of the RADARSAT Constellation (3 satellite) earth observation mission.{{cite news | first = Marc | last = Boucher | title = Is Canadian Sovereignty at Risk by a Lack of an Indigenous Satellite Launch Capability? | date = 4 January 2011 | url = http://spaceref.ca/national-security/is-canadian-sovereignty-at-risk-by-a-lack-of-satellite-launching-capability.html | archive-url = https://archive.today/20140204193416/http://spaceref.ca/national-security/is-canadian-sovereignty-at-risk-by-a-lack-of-satellite-launching-capability.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 4 February 2014 | work = Space Ref Canada | access-date = 2014-02-04 }} In August 2010, further funding was awarded for detailed design work scheduled for completion by 2012. The satellites were launched on June 12, 2019. Also in the 2009 Federal budget, the agency was awarded funding for the preliminary design of robotic Lunar/Martian rovers.{{cite web

|url = http://www.budget.gc.ca/2009/plan/bpc3e-eng.asp

|title = 2009 Canadian Federal Budget

|publisher = Government of Canada

|date = 2009-01-27

|access-date = 2012-09-14

|url-status = dead

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120826030755/http://www.budget.gc.ca/2009/plan/bpc3e-eng.asp

|archive-date = 2012-08-26

}}

On February 28, 2019, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada's commitment to the Lunar Gateway, an international NASA-led project to put a small space station in lunar orbit. The announcement made Canada the first international partner in the Lunar Gateway project. As part of the announcement, Canada has committed to spending $2.05 billion over 24 years to develop the next generation Canadarm 3. This marks Canada's largest ever single financial commitment to a single project, surpassing the $1.7 billion spent on projects for the International Space Station.{{cite web|url=https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronomy/moon-exploration/default.asp|title=Moon exploration|date=28 February 2019|website=www.asc-csa.gc.ca}}{{cite web|url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/bridenstine/2019/02/28/canada-commits-to-joining-nasa-at-the-moon/|title=Canada Commits to Joining NASA at the Moon – Administrator Jim Bridenstine|website=blogs.nasa.gov|date=28 February 2019 }}

As part of the Artemis program, CSA is developing a small lunar rover. The robotic rover is being developed in partnership with NASA. It will explore a polar region of the Moon and be capable of surviving a lunar night. The mission will carry at least two science instruments, one from NASA and one from CSA, and will launch by 2026.{{Cite web|last=Agency|first=Canadian Space|date=2020-01-10|title=Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program (LEAP)|url=https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/funding-programs/programs/leap/default.asp|access-date=2022-01-18|website=www.asc-csa.gc.ca}}{{Cite web|author1=Mike Wall|date=2021-05-27|title=Canada to launch moon rover by 2026|url=https://www.space.com/canada-launch-moon-rover-2026|access-date=2022-01-18|website=Space.com|language=en}}

=Rockets=

Image:Black Brant.jpg launching from Wallops Flight Facility ]]

The Canadian Space Agency has no indigenous launch system capability beyond upper atmospheric sounding rockets.{{cite news | first = Marc | last = Boucher | title = A Rocket to Call Our Own? Canadian Space Agency Explores the Business Case | date = 14 December 2009 | url = http://spaceref.ca/commercial-space/launch/a-rocket-to-call-our-own-canadian-space-agency-explores-the-business-case.html | archive-url = https://archive.today/20140204191352/http://spaceref.ca/commercial-space/launch/a-rocket-to-call-our-own-canadian-space-agency-explores-the-business-case.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 4 February 2014 | work = Space Ref Canada | access-date = 2014-02-04 }} Canada relies on other countries, such as the U.S., India and Russia, to launch its spacecraft into orbit, but both the Defence Department and the space agency are looking at the option of constructing a Canadian-made launcher.{{cite web | url = http://www.engineering.utoronto.ca/About/Engineering_in_the_News/01_03_2011.htm | title = Space Agency, DND Seek to Launch Rockets for Canada | access-date = 2014-02-04 | date = 3 January 2011 | work = University of Toronto | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140128124448/http://www.engineering.utoronto.ca/About/Engineering_in_the_News/01_03_2011.htm | archive-date = 28 January 2014 }}

The CSA announced in 2011 it was researching locations in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, or the potential reopening of the Churchill Rocket Research Range in Manitoba for a micro satellite (150 kg) launch site to end its reliance on foreign launch providers. Another possible location, CFB Suffield, remains an option.{{cite web | url = https://acuriousguy.blogspot.com/2011/01/funding-dnd-csa-rockets-according-to.html | title = Advocating DND & CSA Rockets | access-date = 2014-02-04 | last = Black | first = Chuck | work = The Commercial Space Blog }} According to Canadian Space Agency officials, it would take 10 to 12 years for a full-scale project to design and build a small satellite launcher. There has been no funding for these activities announced.{{cite web |url = https://www.ctvnews.ca/space-agency-eyes-cape-breton-for-satellite-launch-1.496622 |title = Space agency eyes Cape Breton for satellite launch |work = CTV News |publisher = Canadian Press |date = March 28, 2010 |access-date = 2011-05-29 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120316021043/http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20100328/space_cape_breton_100328/ |archive-date = March 16, 2012 }}

Although a new launch facility at Canso, Nova Scotia, is under development (2024–2025 expected completion),{{cite web |last=Golubeva |first=Alena |url=https://gmk.center/interview/maksim-degtyarev-spros-na-vyvedenie-gruzov-na-orbitu-budet-rasti/ |title=Максим Дегтярев: "Спрос на выведение грузов на орбиту будет расти" |trans-title=Maxim Degtyarev: "The demand for placing cargo into orbit will grow" |work=GMK Center |date=9 April 2021 |access-date=11 May 2021 |language=ru |quote=Компания получила разрешение, оформляет документы на получение земельного участка и уже в текущем году рассчитывает начать строительные работы. Сколько времени уйдет на строительство космодрома? – Три-четыре года. [The company has received permission, and is preparing documents for obtaining a land plot and expects to start construction work this year. How long will it take to build the cosmodrome? – Three or four years.]}} its intended use is for commercial launches of the Ukrainian Cyclone-4M rocket starting in 2023.{{cite web |last=Willick |first=Frances |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/canso-spaceport-secures-funding-aims-for-first-launch-2022-1.6023222 |title=Canso spaceport secures $10.5M, aims for first launch next year |work=CBC News |date=12 May 2021 |access-date=14 May 2021}} The facility is a project of the Maritime Launch Services company. Any CSA involvement has not been announced.{{Cite web | url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/t-minus-1-year-until-rocket-launch-site-construction-starts-in-nova-scotia-1.4023808 | title=Nova Scotia rocket launch site would be only commercial spaceport in Canada | CBC News}}

Controversy

In March 2022, information from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) indicated that CSA had been infiltrated by Chinese agents. The RCMP charged Wanping Zheng, a 61-year-old employed by CSA, in December 2021 with breach of trust, which the police said was tied to foreign interference. Despite repeated security warnings from CSIS since 2015, Zheng continued to work for CSA and was tied to the installation of unauthorized software, including secure file transfer and a messaging applications, on behalf of a foreign company, according to filed court documents. He was also accused of using his status as a CSA engineer to negotiate agreements for a satellite station installation with Iceland, on behalf of a Chinese aerospace company. Zheng resigned from CSA after 26 years with the agency, although none of the allegations against Zheng have been proved in court.{{cite web|url= https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/wanping-zheng-china-comapny-court-space-1.6381923|title= CSIS warned space agency about ex-engineer now facing charges: court documents|access-date= 15 March 2022|last1= Tunney|first1= Catharine |last2= Boisvert|first2= Nick|work= CBC News|date= 13 March 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220313192107/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/wanping-zheng-china-comapny-court-space-1.6381923|archive-date= 13 March 2022|url-status= live}}

See also

References

{{Reflist|32em}}