Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program (LEAP) Capability Demonstration AO

Announcement of Opportunity (AO) – Update: July 4 2022

Please note that Cycles 1 to 5 are complete and Cycle 6 has been updated.

Announcement of Opportunity

Publication date: February 21, 2020

Publication closing date: August 26, 2022

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) only receives applications when the selection process is open. This Announcement of Opportunity (AO) is open for applications until August 26th, 2022, with 6 application and award cycles as follows OR until the budget of the AO is fully awarded. Estimated total amount of the AO is $10M (i.e. the estimated total amount available for all 6 application and award cycles is $10M).

Key dates:

• 2020 application and award Cycles 1 and 2: closed
  • Application deadline 1: May 22, 2020, at 12:00 p.m. (ET)
  • Approximate project start and end dates: August 1, 2020 to March 31, 2024
  • Estimated number of projects awarded: 1 to 2
  • Funding from CSA: up to $4M toward eligible costs
  • Application deadline 2: October 16, 2020, at 12:00 p.m. (ET)
  • Approximate project start and end dates: February 1, 2021 to March 31, 2024
  • Number of projects awarded: 1 to 2
  • Funding from CSA: up to $4M toward eligible costs
• 2021 application and award Cycles 3 and 4: closed
  • Application deadline 3: February 26, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. (ET)
  • Approximate project start and end dates: May 1, 2021 to March 31, 2024
  • Estimated number of projects awarded: 1 to 2
  • Funding from CSA: up to $4M toward eligible costs
  • Application deadline 4: August 27, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. (ET)
  • Approximate project start and end dates: November 1, 2021 to March 31, 2024
  • Number of projects awarded: 1 to 2
  • Funding from CSA: up to $4M toward eligible costs
• 2022 application and award Cycles 5 and 6
  • Application deadline 5: February 25, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. (ET)
  • Approximate project start and end dates: May 1, 2022 to March 31, 2024
  • Estimated number of projects awarded: 1 to 2
  • Funding from CSA: up to $4M toward eligible costs
  • Application deadline 6: August 26, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. (ET)
  • Approximate project start and end dates: November 1, 2022 to March 31, 2024
  • Estimated number of projects awarded: 1 to 2
  • Funding from CSA: up to $3.5M *NEW* toward eligible costs

1. Introduction

In February 2019, the Canadian Government announced Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program (LEAP) as part of a new National Space Strategy to 'position Canada's commercial space sector to help grow the economy and create the jobs of the future'. The Federal Budget 2019 confirmed that CSA can access up to $150M over five years starting in 2019-20 for LEAP to 'help small and medium-sized enterprises develop new technologies to be used and tested in lunar orbit and on the Moon's surface.'

The strategy enables Canada and its space sector to grow the economy and create the jobs of the future by advancing science, developing and demonstrating space technologies and participating in new commercial and science mission opportunities linked to our participation in Lunar exploration while generating benefits for Canadians in space and on Earth.

In light of the above, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is issuing this Announcement of Opportunity (AO) to specifically support the Canadian space community with funds for lunar delivery services to demonstrate their science and/or technology on the lunar surface, lunar orbit, or cis-lunar space, before April 2024. The AO will award non-repayable contributions of up to $4 M per project ($3.5 M for Cycle 6 only), that expects to gain commercial potential or scientific return in the medium to long term (i.e. 5 to 10 years).

This AO is consistent with the terms and conditions of the CSA Class Grant and Contribution (G&C) Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology – Research Component.

Applicants are asked to read the following AO thoroughly before submitting their applications. This AO was prepared to help applicants complete the application process, and outlines key elements, including mandatory criteria for eligibility, details on eligible projects and the selection process. In the event of any discrepancies between this AO and the individual funding agreements governing a project, the latter document(s) will take precedence.

2. AO objectives

The objective of this AO is as follows: To support the development of a proto-flight model, and its adaptation, delivery, integration, and launch as a Canadian payload (science and/or technology) with a lunar launch or lander vehicle, which will result in a first attempt for Canada to conduct a basic R&D space demonstration of science and/or technology on the Moon and beyond (lunar surface, lunar orbit, or cis-lunar space), by 2024. These activities will enable selected Canadian organizations to further their basic R&D capabilities with the ultimate purpose of increasing the commercial potential of Canadian organizations, as well as increasing lunar scientific return for Canada.

3. Eligibility criteria

3.1 Eligible recipients

Eligible recipients are limited to for-profit, not-for-profit, and universities established and operating in Canada. SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) are strongly encouraged to apply or act as subcontractors to applicants.

Multiple eligible recipients can collaborate on the same project. If selected for funding, eligible recipients, collaborating on the project, will be jointly and severally (solidarily) liable in the contribution agreement.

3.2 Eligible projects

Eligible projects are science and/or technology which is/are required to be manifested with a lunar payload delivery service provider (launcher or lunar lander) for launch before April 2024, as demonstrated with a letter of intent or launch service agreement. The agreement should include the rough order of magnitude (ROM) costs and a launch schedule. Any costs associated with the letter of intent or launch service agreement are not reimbursable, if incurred prior to signing a contribution agreement with the CSA.

All development phases necessary for a project are eligible. Any logical breakdown or combination of these phases can constitute a funded project. However, breaking down a project into numerous phases to obtain more than the maximum contribution of the AO is not allowed.

Furthermore, if a proposal is for pursuing a standalone R&D found in another awarded contribution (past or on-going), the proposed follow-up R&D, even if funded in a new contribution agreement, is considered another phase of R&D of the same G&C project for which the program has a cumulative limit of $5M. If the maximum funding for one project is not reached, the completion of a funded phase does not automatically guarantee funding of the remaining phases.

3.3 Links to CSA priorities

To be eligible, projects supported under this AO must contribute to the CSA's priority of building Canadian capabilities, meaning those projects that aim to develop new concepts, products and/or know-how. Capability building therefore encompasses all projects aimed at strengthening the Canadian space community's core capabilities with particular focus on developing its people and technologies.

3.4 Links to program objectives

To be eligible, projects supported under this AO must contribute to the achievement of CSA's Capability Demonstration objectives and contribute to the following objectives of the CSA Class G&C Program:

• To support the development of technologies relevant to the priorities of CSA; and
• To foster the continuing development of a critical mass of highly qualified people (HQP) in Canada.

The CSA encourages the space community to collaborate with SMEs as well as the academic sector in the implementation of the AO by promoting projects that will include SMEs and academic participation. In terms of academic involvement, potential applicants may be interested in contacting Mitacs, a national not-for-profit organization which helps companies access the talent, technologies, and strategic partnerships they need to innovate and grow, to investigate if and how academic researchers and highly skilled graduate or postdoctoral talent can be leveraged on research projects in collaboration with universities. Applicants should strive for a balanced gender representation in the group of students and amongst their supervisors, role models and mentors. If in the research discipline of the proposed project there is a gender imbalance in the student population, applicants are strongly encouraged to demonstrate that this imbalance has been taken into consideration in their plan for recruitment of students implicated in their project.

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that increase the representation and advancement of women and underrepresented groups in space sciences and engineering as one means to foster excellence in research and training.

3.5 Basic R&D definition

Eligible projects supported under this AO must comply with the following definition for basic R&D by providing the required justification within section 5 B of the Application form:

"Any pre-commercial science and technology activities that are carried out to resolve unknowns regarding the feasibility of: i) space concepts or ii) applications in the space sector."

The following due diligence process will be applied to determine whether projects are compliant with this definition. To that end, justification to be provided in section 5 B of the Application form should:

• Demonstrate that the technical, technological or scientific objectives are feasible, quantified and measurable.
• Demonstrate that the technical, technological or scientific uncertainties/difficulties are clearly stated in the submitted project.
• Define a working hypotheses to solve clear and plausible uncertainties/difficulties related to the project submitted.
• Demonstrate that the proposed project is more than of ordinary engineering or current operations.
• Clearly demonstrate the heritage (first time).
• If the project is related to a tech-demonstration, clearly demonstrate that it is innovative-first time.

Basic R&D activities supported under this AO shall be undertaken in Canada unless it is essential to the success of the project.

4. Applications

4.1 Required documentation

The application must include the following:

• A completed hardcopy original Application form signed by the duly authorized representative;
• The résumés of each team member responsible for managing the project and key technical personnel. The résumés should be limited to two pages with only information that is relevant to the application.
• A copy of the document(s) confirming the legal name of the applicant;
• Letters from other funding contributors confirming their contributions, if applicable;
• Eligible projects are required to be manifested with a lunar payload delivery service provider (launcher or lunar lander) for launch before April 2024, as demonstrated with a letter of intent or launch service agreement. Any costs associated with the letter of intent or launch service agreement are not reimbursable, if incurred prior to signing a contribution agreement with the CSA;
• Letters of support, if applicable;
• The Declaration on Confidentiality, Access to Information Act and Privacy Act form signed by the duly authorized representative (refer to the Applicant Declaration on Confidentiality, Access to Information Act and Privacy Act section included in the application form);
• For organizations in Quebec, M-30 Supporting Documentation form completed and signed by the duly authorized representative (refer to the M-30 form for organizations in Quebec included in the application form);
• A single PDF-formatted file containing copies (identical to the paper copies) of all the above-requested documents with all security features disabled on standard electronic media (USB memory key, CD, or DVD). The application must be included in the file as a searchable PDF-formatted document (PDF/A-1a format preferred). If there is any discrepancy between the hard and the soft copies, the hard copy takes precedence.
• If the project is executed through a partnership, a completed original Partner Application Form for each partner, signed by the duly authorized representative of the partner. Partner application forms are to be submitted in hardcopy and in PDF format.
• The financial statements for the last two years and the most recent interim results for each eligible recipient. Financial statements and interim results are to be submitted in hardcopy or in PDF format. Financial statements can be provided in a separate PDF file or separately sealed envelope. Not applicable for Canadian universities.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the application complies with all relevant federal, provincial and territorial legislation and municipal bylaws.

Applications must be mailed to the CSA at the following address:

• The application must be received at the CSA no later than:

  Application deadline by award Cycle:

  1. May 22, 2020 at 12:00 noon (ET)
  2. October 16, 2020 at 12:00 noon (ET)
  3. February 26, 2021 at 12:00 noon (ET)
  4. August 27, 2021 at 12:00 noon (ET)
  5. February 25, 2022 at 12:00 noon (ET)
  6. August 26, 2022, at 12:00 noon (ET)
• The application can be mailed/couriered/delivered to the address indicated.
• There is no one to receive hand delivered proposals during the weekends. Hand delivered proposals will only be accepted during business hours.
• Applications sent by email will not be accepted.
• Incomplete applications shall not be considered.

Questions and answers related to this AO will be posted on the CSA website in the Frequently asked questions (Section 9).

4.2 Service standards

Applicants will be notified in writing of decisions regarding their application. Selected applications will be announced on the CSA website. The CSA has set the following service standards for processing times, acknowledgement of receipt, funding decisions and payment procedures.

• Acknowledgement: The CSA's goal is to acknowledge receipt within 5 business days of receiving the completed application package.
• Decision: The CSA's goal is to respond to the proposal within 15 weeks of each application and award cycle deadline and to send a contribution agreement for signature within 4 weeks after formal approval of the proposal.
• Payment: The CSA's goal is to issue payment within 6 weeks of the successful fulfillment of the requirements outlined in the contribution agreement.

Compliance with these service standards is a shared responsibility. Applicants must submit all required documentation in a timely fashion. Service standards may vary by AO.

5. Evaluation

5.1 Eligibility criteria

• Represents an eligible recipient as defined in Section 3.1;
• Represents an eligible project as defined in Sections 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4;
• Meets the basic R&D definition in Section 3.5; and
• Meets program funding provisions in Section 6.1.

5.2 Point rated evaluation criteria

Applications will be evaluated according to the following point rated criteria:

1. Innovation (25%)
2. Project feasibility, resources and risk assessment (25%)
3. Outcomes and benefits to Canada (50%)

The page count limit to support each of the previous criteria is implemented in the Application Form. The definition of the criteria and scoring scale and minimum scores are specified in Appendix A.

5.3 Evaluation process

Only applications that have passed the eligibility assessment listed in Section 5.1 will be given further consideration.

Once the eligibility criteria are confirmed, an individual evaluation of the screened applications will be performed according to the criteria listed in Section 5.2. Evaluators shall be experts in the field relevant to the applications and may include representatives of other Canadian government departments as well as external consultants.

A review committee will then make an overall selection based on the priorities of the Government of Canada and the CSA such as, but not limited to, geographic representation, gender representation, growth potential, commercialization opportunity, return on investment, implication of HQP and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students. Contribution agreements will be offered to the applicants in this final list to maximize the use of available funding (Section 6).

Before a final decision is made, the CSA's Program Manager responsible for this AO may seek input and advice from other organizations, including (but not limited to) federal, provincial, territorial and municipal government agencies and organizations.

6. Funding

6.1 Available funding and duration

The total funding available under this AO is currently expected to be approximately $10M, with the following maximum per project:

• CSA's maximum contribution for any project is $4 million ($3.5 million for Cycle 6 only *NEW*)

The maximum duration is from the signing date of the agreement until March 31, 2024, with a possibility of extension by 12 months, on a case by case basis.

The overall number of contributions awarded will depend on the availability of funds.

Approved proposals from for-profit organizations will be eligible for a total government (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) assistance of up to a maximum of 75% of total eligible project costs. Thus, the maximum assistance of $4 million will be available for projects with $5.33 million of total eligible project costs.

Approved proposals from not-for-profit organizations and universities will be eligible for CSA assistance of up to a maximum of 75% of total eligible project costs and for a total government (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) assistance of up to a maximum of 100% of total eligible project costs.

To determine the amount of funding to be allocated, consideration will be given to the availability of CSA funds, the total cost of the project, and the other confirmed sources of funds provided by other stakeholders and the applicant.

Applicants must identify all sources of funding in their applications and confirm this information in a funding agreement if the project is selected for funding. Upon completion of a project, the recipient must also disclose all sources of funding.

The CSA reserves the right to reject any proposals or to reduce the amount of the contributions at its entire discretion.

6.2 Eligible costs

Eligible costs are direct expenses that are associated with the delivery of the approved project and that are required to achieve the expected results of the project. Expenses will be covered subject to the applicant signing a funding agreement in the form of a contribution with the CSA.

Eligible costs are limited to one or a combination of the following categories (see definitions):

• salaries and benefits;
• consultants services;
• material and supplies;
• acquisition or rental of equipment;
• aircraft and watercraft charter services (shipping);
• access fees;
• licenses and permits fees;
• data acquisition;
• data management;
• launcher services;
• travel;
• accommodation and meals allowances;
• costs related to obtaining security clearance; and
• overhead (administrative) costs (not to exceed 15% of total eligible costs for for-profit organizations and not to exceed 20% of total eligible costs for not-for-profit organizations and universities).

7. Funding agreements

7.1 Payments

The CSA and each successful applicant (the recipient) will sign a funding agreement. This is a condition for any payment made by the CSA with respect to the approved project.

Payments for contribution agreements will be made in accordance with the process and the reporting requirements described in the signed funding agreement. Upon notice of a successful application, the CSA will have no liability until a funding agreement is signed by both parties. Only eligible costs incurred after the funding agreement is signed and indicated in the agreement will be reimbursed.

7.2 Audit

The recipient of a funding agreement shall keep proper records of all documentation related to the funded project, for the duration of the project and for six (6) years after the completion date of the project, in the event of an audit. This documentation shall be available upon request.

7.3 Conflict of interest

In the funding agreement, the recipient will certify that any current or former public office holder or public servant it employs complies with the provisions of the relevant Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders and the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector respectively.

Note: Current employees of the CSA are not eligible to participate in any way in any application under this AO.

7.4 Intellectual property

All intellectual property developed by the recipient in the course of the project shall vest in the recipient.

7.5 Organizations in Quebec

An organization in Quebec whose operations are partially or fully funded by the province of Quebec may be subject to the Act Respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif, R.S.Q., Chapter M-30.

Under Sections 3.11 and 3.12 of this Act, certain entities/organizations, as defined in the meaning of the Act, such as municipal bodies, school bodies, or public agencies, must obtain authorization from the Secrétariat du Québec aux relations canadiennes as indicated by the Act, before signing any funding agreement with the Government of Canada, its departments or agencies, or a federal public agency.

Consequently, any entity that is subject to the Act is responsible for obtaining such authorization before signing any funding agreement with the Government of Canada.

Quebec applicants must complete, sign and include the M-30 Supporting Documentation form with their application.

7.6 Performance measurement

The CSA will ask the recipients to report annually on the following topics:

• Knowledge creation
  • Initial and final technology readiness level achieved under the project
  • Publications and presentations
  • Number and types of Foreground Intellectual Property (FIP) generated (e.g., trademark, patent, copyright, know-how, etc.)
• Capability building
  • HQP (by gender) involved directly and indirectly in the project
  • Number of students or post-docs involved during the project
  • Number of young professionals involved during the project
  • Number of technologies that are contenders for future missions
  • Number of technologies that are embarked on a mission
  • Number of Canadian space technologies developed that are adapted and used on earth or re-used in space.
• Collaboration
  • Number of different organizations involved
  • Number of different disciplines

7.7 Open science

The CSA wishes to promote the dissemination of findings that results from the projects it funds as quickly and to the greatest number of people as possible. Improved access to scientific results not only allows scientists to use a broader range of resources and knowledge, but also improves research collaboration and coordination, strengthens citizen engagement and supports the economy.

Thus, the CSA promotes the use of open access publication and archiving by recipients in order to facilitate the widest dissemination of findings that results from its funded projects. Thus, recipients are invited to publish, in a timely matter, their articles by using one of the following methods:

1. Accessible online repository (institutional or disciplinary) so that the publication is freely accessible.
2. Journal offering open access to articles.

The publication costs are eligible expenses as defined in section 6.2. It should be noted that these two methods are not mutually exclusive and that recipients are encouraged to use both.

Finally, the CSA wishes to receive, as a courtesy, a copy of the funded publications (if not freely accessible) or the hyperlink (if freely accessible) and its digital object identifier (DOI). These will be use to improve accessibility by including them in the CSA funded publications directory.

8. Privacy notice statement

The CSA manages and protects the information provided by the applicant under the Privacy Act and the Access to Information Act. By submitting your personal information, you consent to its collection, use and disclosure in accordance with the following Privacy Statement, which explains how the information about the applicant will be processed.

The information is collected under the CSA Class G&C Program in Support of Awareness, Research and Learning - Research Component (ASC PPU 045) and Awareness and Learning Component (ASC PPU 040) . This information will be used for administration and application evaluation purposes. Personal information (such as name, contact information and biographical information) will be kept for 6 years and destroyed. According to the Privacy Act, any individual may, upon request,

1. have access to his or her personal data and
2. request correction of the incorrect information.

Applicants should also note that information relating to the Funding Agreement could be disclosed publicly in accordance with the laws, policies and directives of the Government of Canada.

For additional information regarding this statement, please contact:

9. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

It is the responsibility of the applicants to obtain clarification of the requirements contained herein, if necessary, before submitting an application.

For any questions related to the AO, applicants shall use the following email address paelexploration-explorationleap@asc-csa.gc.ca. Questions and answers related to this AO will be posted on the CSA website in the Frequently asked questions section of this AO. The CSA will respond to questions received 2 business weeks before each award cycle application deadline.

Deadline to submit questions for each award Cycle are as follows:

1. May 8, 2020 at 12:00 noon (ET)
2. October 2, 2020 at 12:00 noon (ET)
3. February 12, 2021 at 12:00 noon (ET)
4. August 13, 2021 at 12:00 noon (ET)
5. February 11, 2022 at 12:00 noon (ET)
6. August 12, 2022 at 12:00 noon (ET)

10. Appendix A: Point-rated evaluation criteria

Application must receive an overall minimum score of 80% as well as minimum specified thresholds to be considered for funding. Obtaining the highest score possible maximizes your chance of being selected to obtain financial support (see Section 6). The following point-rated criteria will be evaluated using 4 benchmark statements. Each benchmark statement will receive the following percentage of maximum points according to the following scale:

1. Poor: 25%
2. Average: 50%
3. Good: 75%
4. Excellent: 100%

1. Innovation (25% of overall score)

• Maximum: 25 points
• Minimum: 12.5 points (50%)
• Maximum: 25 points

This criterion evaluates the novelty associated with the new concepts, products and/or know-how to be demonstrated. Innovation can range from sustaining innovations that improve the performance of existing products (but do not create new markets) to disruptive innovations that offer an entirely different value proposition leading to the creation of new markets. This criterion seeks answers to the following:

• What is the degree of innovation being proposed?

2. Project feasibility, resources and risk assessment (25% of overall score)

2.1 Project clarity, completeness, feasibility and risk assessment

• Maximum: 10 points
• Minimum: 7.5 points (75%)

This criterion evaluates the completeness and effectiveness of the proposed implementation plan in directing the project to successful completion as well as the combined technical qualifications and experience of the team assembled to carry out the proposed work.

This criterion seeks answers to the following:

• Does the combined team have the necessary technical and managerial qualifications to execute the project?
• Does the proposal include a clear and complete implementation plan consisting of a schedule, milestones, resources (personnel, facilities, laboratories, field sites, specialized equipment, etc.) availability and allocation as well as risk identification and mitigation?
• Does the proposed implementation plan seem credible and well suited to the project objectives, and does it embody sound methodology and management?

2.2 Degree of readiness

• Maximum: 15 points
• Minimum: 11.25 points (75%)

This criterion evaluates the degree to which the science and/or technology is ready by the forecasted flight readiness review date, for capability demonstration. The only capability demonstration "phases" that are eligible are: Proto-flight development, preparation (includes instrument/payload adaptation/packaging), Delivery, Integration, Deployment (launch, landing, and execution), and Close-out. This criterion seeks answers to the following:

• What is the degree of maturity level of the science and/or technology as well as the launch/lunar lander service provider by the forecasted flight readiness review date, in order to demonstrate capability?

3. Outcomes and benefits to Canada (50% of overall score)

• Maximum: 50 points
• Minimum: 25 points (50%)

3.1 Path to commercial potential

• Maximum: 10 points

Projects should strive to generate economic benefits or scientific return in the medium term to long term, within 5 to 10 years following project completion. This criterion evaluates the applicant's roadmap for implementing the science or technology. This criterion seeks answers to the following:

• Does the applicant have a post-project strategy, with expected budget and schedule, to further develop the science and/or technology in order to achieve commercial potential?
• What future space missions are relevant for this science and/or technology (missions after the demonstration mission funded by this AO)?

3.2 Market assessment

• Maximum: 10 points

This criterion evaluates the applicant's understanding of the market needs associated with the proposed science and/or technology. It includes a thorough analysis of market demand. Incidentally, this criterion also evaluates whether the proposal addresses the existence and number of competing alternatives on the market. This criterion seeks answers to the following:

• Is the applicant aware of its current market share?
• What are the factors that drive the demand for this science and/or technology?
• Who are the customers for this science and/or technology?
• Who are the competitors and what alternatives do they offer?

3.3 Competitive advantage

• Maximum: 10 points

This criterion assesses the merit and potential of the proposed project to positively affect the applicant's competitive advantage and/or overall market share. It is recognized that an improvement in the applicant's overall market share (or competitive advantage) can be achieved through creating a new market, penetrating for the first time an existing one and/or increasing one's position in an already accessed market:

• How will the project impact the applicant's competitive advantage?
• What impact will the project have on the applicant's growth in terms of size (workforce) and revenues ?
• Will the project impact positively other Canadian firms?

3.4 Benefits of a capability demonstration

• Maximum: 10 points

This criteria evaluates the suitability of, and benefits (value) to a future mission, in performing a capability demonstration of the proposed science operations and/or technology on the lunar surface, lunar orbit, or cis-lunar space by April 2024.

This criteria seeks to answer the following questions:

• What is the value of performing a capability demonstration of the proposed science operations and/or technology for the path to a future mission?
• Do the benefits of capability demonstration outweigh the costs?

3.5 Public benefits

• Maximum: 10 points

This criterion assesses the merit and potential of the proposed project to positively affect the Canadian public. This criterion also evaluates the degree to which this project will help retain and enhance the number of HQP as well as their knowledge and expertise through their involvement in this project and the degree to which the project encourages Canadians to develop STEM skills in order to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.

This criterion seeks answers to the following:

• How is this project affecting the life of the broader Canadian public?
• Will this project help retain or enhance the number of skilled workers (project managers, engineers, scientists, and post-doc fellows) in the space sector, through their involvement in this activity?
• Does this project have the potential to stimulate the creation of highly skilled jobs in Canada?
• Does this project involve students and post-doc fellows to help develop their STEM skills?