Organization
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is responsible for:
- advancing the knowledge of space through science;
- using its discoveries for the good of Canadians and all of humanity.
May 14, 2009, hundreds of employees gathered at the CSA head office and warmly received their two new colleagues, astronauts Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques. (Credit: CSA.)
A bit of history
Established in March 1989, the CSA is a federal agency responsible for managing all of Canada's civil space-related activities. The objects and functions of the CSA are set out in the Canadian Space Agency Act (S.C. 1990, c. 13).
In 1996, the CSA building is officially designated as the John H. Chapman Space Centre, commemorating the scientist Canadians consider the father of their space program.
Learn more about the milestones in the Canadian space adventure and the history of the Canadian astronaut corps.
What does the CSA do?
The CSA focuses its activities and resources on three main areas:
- Space exploration: Participation in astronaut missions, astronomy and planetary studies, scientific research in space (execution and support).
- Space utilization: Earth observation by satellite and collection of space data.
- Space science and technology: Development of innovative space technologies and applications used on Earth.
Discover some of the ways in which space enhances your everyday lives!
The CSA also occupies an important place among the many space agencies around the world. The organization boasts numerous partnerships with:
- government
- industry
- academia
- various international organizations.
The CSA is led by a President who reports to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
The CSA has approximately 936 employees:
- Nearly 90% of its personnel work at its headquarters, the John H. Chapman Space Centre, located in Longueuil, Quebec.
- The other staff members work out of the Gatineau office and the David Florida Laboratory, as well as in Houston, Washington and Paris.
Canada, a nation of space innovations. (Credit: CSA)