2020-21 Departmental Results Report

Result 1 — Space research and development advance science and technology

Canada's support for the complete research and development cycle, from inception through to commercialization, is critically important to advance science and technology and foster a dynamic and growing economy. Enabled by investments in the development of innovative space technologies required for future missions with the potential of being re-purposed on Earth, the CSA's leadership and progress in this area in 2020–21 are assessed below.

In 2020–21, while keeping pace with the International Partner schedule for the Lunar Gateway, contracts were put in place for the first definition phases of Canadarm3, an AI-enabled system that will perform autonomous robotic operations in lunar orbit. Definition phase milestones were achieved and laid the groundwork for the next phases that will be put in place in 2021–22.

The Mobile Servicing System (MSS), a sophisticated robotics suite that plays a critical role in the maintenance, resupply, and science operations of the International Space Station (ISS) has met all demands and performance expectations throughout 2020–21. Continued commissioning and demonstration of MSS autonomy on the ISS will serve to prepare for the design and development of the next generation of Canadarm3. Studies were also put in place to define potential options for Canada's participation in human spaceflight beyond Low Earth Orbit on subjects such as artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) for future Canadian space robotics and hydroponic food production.

With the aim of providing space-based solutions to monitor the Earth and respond to global challenges, a feasible mission concept has been developed for WildFireSat. An innovative type of infrared sensor, which includes the use of cutting-edge instrument technology, will be flown aboard the satellite. This instrument will monitor active wildfires from a satellite platform that is considerably smaller and less expensive than what has been used so far. The completion of the feasible mission concept allows the CSA to proceed with the follow-up phases to build, test, and launch the first wildfire monitoring satellite of this kind.

The end of the design phase for the Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite (QEYSSat) spacecraft and ground segment, which aims to demonstrate quantum key distribution technology in order to provide Canada with ultra-secure communications, is now planned for November 2021. The delay is due to COVID‑19, which has resulted in long lead times for the purchase of space-grade components.

The CSA launched another wave of Space Technology Development Program (STDP) investments intended at reducing the technological uncertainties of potential future missions of interest to Canada. These investments will lead to the development of new, innovative space technologies.

Canada's SCISAT mission continues to measure over 70 chemical species in the Earth's atmosphere, including ozone, ozone-depleting substances, all major greenhouse gases, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). A new CO2-related data product has been made available, along with datasets for two HFC gases, thus improving the satellite's monitoring of the United Nations Montreal Protocol. The data was also used to discover the chemical composition of extreme fire smoke plumes. These datasets continue to be delivered to Canadian academic and government scientists, and to international partners and scientists worldwide.

In 2020–21, the CSA's investments enabled Canadian astronomers to participate in international space missions and gain access to scientific data. With regard to planetary exploration, the OSIRIS‑REx spacecraft is on its way back from asteroid Bennu with its precious samples on board, 4% of which will come to Canada as a result of our contribution to the mission. At the same time, the CSA continued to support the Alpha-Particle X‑ray Spectrometer (APXS) on NASA's highly successful Curiosity rover and to prepare for the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) in late 2021. In return for Canada's contribution of the Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS) and the Near Infra-Red Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (NIRISS) to this major international mission, Canadian astronomers will obtain observation time on the most powerful space telescope ever built.

Through these investments, the CSA ensured that space research and development advanced science and technology. Business Expenditures on Research and Development (BERD) in the space sector reached $376 million in 2019, according to the most recent data available, higher than the target of $324 million. Furthermore, by providing access to high-quality scientific data and supporting researchers, the CSA contributed to Canada's Average Relative Citation (ARC) score of space-related publications. With a score of 1.62 for the period from 2013 to 2019, Canada ranks 17th among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations. Canada's citation score is above the average for OECD countries and the highest among G7 countries.

Result 2 — Canadians engage with space

Space serves as an unrivaled playground to inspire future Canadian innovators. By taking advantage of Canadians' interest in space and providing opportunities for youth to acquire the skills to pursue studies and careers in STEM, the CSA continues to support the development of the next generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.

The CSA continued to provide Canadian professors in post-secondary institutions with the ability to engage their students in real space mission support with the CCP. Through this national initiative, 15 teams from across Canada were offered the unique opportunity to design, build, test, and operate their own miniature satellites, called CubeSats. Approximately 500 students have been involved so far. In 2020–21, the CSA hosted several virtual webinars for students to provide them with an occasion to learn from experts and support them in their learning to become future space experts. Finally, the majority of the teams completed their Critical Design Reviews, during which they presented the final design of their CubeSats to CSA experts.

The Junior Astronaut campaign strives to teach youth what it takes to be an astronaut through activities focused on scientific understanding, physical fitness, teamwork, and communication. Activities engaged 60,000 youth and led to the selection of 52 participants representing 12 provinces and territories for the Junior Astronaut camp. The camp was redesigned in light of the pandemic and was held virtually in Summer 2021. In addition, astronauts and other CSA experts gave 78 virtual presentations to youth from kindergarten to the university level in 2020–21 to share the space experience and inspire audiences to pursue interests, studies and careers in STEM.

The 2020 launch campaign of the CSA's stratospheric balloon program, STRATOS, was cancelled due to travel restrictions related to COVID‑19. Academia and industry will have the opportunity to validate technologies and perform scientific experiments during the 2021 launch campaign.

The CSA continued to engage Canadians by supporting the development of space science and technology and expertise required for the future through the Flights and Fieldwork for the Advancement of Science and Technology (FAST) funding initiative. In 2020–21, the CSA completed the implementation of the grant agreements under the FAST 2019 Announcement of Opportunity. Of note, five more projects than planned were supported in an effort to respond to the academic needs in the context of the COVID‑19 pandemic. In addition, the CSA provided grants to students to virtually attend the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) conference in Winter 2021 to support the development of the next generation of space professionals in Canada.

The CSA uses social media engagements as an indicator of interest in Canada's Space Program. From April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021, the CSA garnered 2,771,135 engagements, which surpassed the target for the year. The CSA's efforts to provide opportunities for youth to acquire the skills to pursue studies and careers in STEM resulted in 2,034 new people and organizations entering space-related fields in 2019, according to the most recent data available.

Result 3 — Space information and technologies improve the lives of Canadians

Access to space data and technology is a game changer for a diverse and increasing number of activities here on Earth. Every day, Canadian and international satellites provide information and services to support maritime and space surveillance, ecosystem and environmental monitoring, natural disaster management, security and defence, as well as health. In 2020–21, the CSA continued to leverage Canada's access to space by providing data and services to support other government departments and agencies in the delivery of their mandates.

On February 28th, 2021, RCM completed the 15 month-long initial operations phase and transitioned into routine operations. Over the year, more than 230,000 EO images, captured by RCM, were used by 10 federal departments and agencies. The data generated from RCM contributed to an increased quality and volume of products and services already being offered, such as monitoring land use evolution and coastal changes, mapping agriculture, measuring human activity influences on local environments, and improving Canada's space-based capabilities to detect ships and monitor marine traffic with the use of an Automatic Identification System.

Moreover, recognizing the importance of historical data for temporal comparisons, the CSA explored options for further opening the RADARSAT‑1 archives to the public to the greatest extent possible, and endeavored to safeguard RADARSAT‑1 data through its repatriation from foreign data holdings.

Through its renewed application development initiative, now called smartEarth, the CSA supported the development of innovative solutions derived from satellite data such as the protection and environmental management of the North Atlantic Right Whales (NARW) in Canadian waters. Eighteen projects were received and evaluated and five were selected by the CSA to demonstrate the contribution of space-based satellite data for enhanced stewardship of the NARWs. The projects are currently ongoing and are stimulating open collaboration as well as innovation across government, academic and industry sectors.

Canada's contribution to the first-ever global survey of surface water through the Surface Water Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite is now complete. The CSA delivered to NASA the enabling technology for the space-based radar — three Extended Interaction Klystrons (EIK), a powerful source of microwaves required for the radar to gather high resolution surface information — in time for the rescheduled launch, now expected in late 2022. Canadian science and applications preparation continued in 2020–21 through modelling, simulations, and airborne data acquisitions.

In 2020–21, the CSA co-led with ECCC and NRCan a partnership-building effort among 17 federal departments to define the future of space-derived data capabilities in Canada, known as the Space-based Earth Observation (SBEO) initiative. This unprecedented partnership endeavor, supported by three main working groups (upstream, midstream, and downstream) led to the identification and prioritization of various issues, needs and current and potential initiatives covering the entire SBEO value chain. Canada's SBEO capability will play a pivotal role in studying the impacts of climate change on Earth and helping to inform future mitigation and adaptation responses.

The CSA supported a series of eight scientific experiments on the ISS and initiated work on several new studies intended to address health risks associated with long-duration spaceflights and protect astronauts' health. Data collection was completed for four of them, with the results analysis and publication currently underway. Four current and upcoming studies use the Bio‑Monitor, a Canadian technology deployed in 2019, to observe and record astronauts' vital signs. These advancements in science and technology are aimed at preparing for long-duration spaceflights and are also expected to find applications on Earth in areas such as cardiovascular disease, ageing, Parkinson's disease, and health-care delivery in remote and isolated areas.

Several parallels can be drawn between the space environment and remote northern communities. The latter provides an ideal location for initial proof-of-concept of healthcare solutions, both for human spaceflight and isolated communities. In 2020–21, the CSA met with stakeholders to advance collaboration for the development of a remote/Northern demonstration site for medical devices. In addition, the CSA participated as an observer to consultations led by the National Research Council (NRC) for their Arctic and Northern Challenge Program. Consultations were completed and projects are now being defined by the NRC in preparation for the launch of the Challenge in the fall of 2021. Once defined, the CSA could support relevant projects that can contribute to the advancement of remote and deep space healthcare. Finally, in collaboration with the Privy Council Office, the CSA developed a health challenge, using the Impact Canada platform, to incentivize the development of innovations to address health care challenges both in deep space and in remote communities. This challenge will launch in the fall of 2021.

The CSA's activities improve the lives of Canadians in two significant ways: first, through space science and technology that is utilized on Earth for the benefit of Canadians, and second, by delivering the data and services that Canadians need from space on a daily basis. For 2020–21, the CSA can report that 23 space technologies and applications were adapted for use on Earth or re-use in space, compared with 22 in 2019–20. A majority of the reutilization of Canadian space technologies took place in the aerospace field.

In 2020, 111 services dependent on the CSA's information were offered to Canadians, by the 17 federal departments and agencies that directly integrated space-based data in their service delivery, and by the databases made available to researchers in academia. This represents a modest increase from 109 services offered to Canadians in 2019. These services support government initiatives that address challenges on climate change, changing landscapes, the management of Canada's natural resources, innovation in the agriculture and agri-food sectors and in the management of ocean resources, as well as monitoring activities for national security purposes.

Result 4 — Canada's investments in space benefit the Canadian economy

In 2020–21, the CSA continued to leverage investments in the space sector to foster innovation and enable Canadian innovators to take advantage of opportunities that create well-paying jobs and a flourishing economy.

Following an Announcement of Opportunity launched in the fall of 2019, more than $24 million over three years was invested under STDP to support the development of 50 commercially promising space technologies in various fields, such as wildfire detection, satellite communications, space-based AI, and space-debris detection and removal. Of note, funding was doubled in an effort to respond to industry needs in the context of the COVID‑19 pandemic, allowing the support of 18 more projects than planned. Over half of these technologies will be developed by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) — many being supported by the CSA for the first time — thus fostering the growth of the Canadian space sector. Finally, the STDP also contributed to the LEAP by supporting the development of space technologies related to lunar missions, including promising technologies with a strong commercial potential to ensure the Canadian space sector plays an important role in the highly competitive and innovative global supply chain of the expanding new space economy.

In 2020–21, the LEAP program also awarded contributions to support the Canadian space industry for the launch of two lunar technology payloads to the Moon by April 2024.

As part of meeting expected results for Canadian industry on Canadarm3, the use of innovative procurement solutions was thoroughly investigated in 2020–21. The Industrial Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy, including a Value Proposition by industry, will be used for the first time in a civil space project, with the objective of providing opportunities for technology transfer and SME participation in the supply chain for Canadarm3.

The CSA continued to support the competitiveness and capacity of the Canadian space sector in the international market through the long-standing Canada‑European Space Agency (ESA) Cooperation Agreement. In 2020–21, the CSA implemented investments in selected ESA programs announced by Canada during the ESA 2019 Ministerial Meeting.

The CSA reviewed the results of its first challenge to small businesses to prove the scientific and technical feasibility as well as the commercial potential of a novel idea that addresses a public-sector challenge as part of ISED's Innovative Solutions Canada initiative, in order to determine which technologies should progress to a second phase of funding. The first challenge focused on the application of artificial intelligence and big-data analytics. A second challenge to small businesses was postponed to 2021–22 as a result of the re-prioritization of activities and funding in the context of the COVID‑19 pandemic. The postponement of the challenge has allowed the STDP to support more projects than planned and to expand the scope of ongoing projects to support the industry.

Working in collaboration with industry and government partners, the CSA delivered a number of virtual events aimed at facilitating stronger linkages between academic and industry communities, creating business development opportunities for Canadian space companies, and gathering business intelligence to inform decision-making. Examples include an industry day and a Canadarm3 webinar to maximize the number of Canadian companies in the supply chain.

In 2020–21, during the COVID‑19 pandemic, the David-Florida Laboratory (DFL) leveraged its unique testing solutions to perform 26 assembly, integration and testing activities to support government space missions and 12 commercial space programs.

By supporting the development, maturation, and commercialization of space technologies and services, the CSA supported the goals of ensuring that investments benefit the Canadian economy through the development of value-added services and export opportunities. According to the most recent available data, the Canadian space sector generated $2.3 billion in exports in 2019 and employed 6,936 highly qualified people.

Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus)

The space sector is a STEM-intensive field. As a result, the anticipated increase in the number of available jobs of these type is expected to more directly benefit men, given that they are more likely to have pursued studies and be employed in these areas. For example, in 2019, out of the 2,024 new people who joined the space sector, 69% were men, 26% were women and 5% were gender-fluid, non-binary, two-spirit and/or preferred not to answer.

In 2020–21, the LEAP and Gateway (Canadarm3) programs worked in close collaboration with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) to ensure GBA Plus considerations were being factored into the procurement approaches. As a result, requirements to report on diversity have been included in the next request for proposals to be issued by the LEAP program. For the science-related grants under LEAP, an evaluation criterion has been added to encourage universities to establish equity and diversity plans. For Canadarm3, industry partners will be required to report on gender parameters of employees working on the project.

Finally, measures were put in place to connect with youth living in locations that are hard to reach digitally. For example, the CSA, while working with many partners across the country, awarded a contract to deliver Junior Astronauts campaign activities across Canada, with an emphasis on Northern and remote Canadian communities.

Experimentation

The five-year Lunar STEM Implementation Strategy and Plan is experimenting with new ways to reach young Canadians and encourage them to consider STEM opportunities for their studies and future careers. The development of the activities, which considered lessons learned from the Junior Astronauts campaign, was completed in 2020–21, and their implementation is underway.

The CSA also developed the Ideas to Action and Innovation (I2A) initiative in 2020–21. I2A provided a structure to encourage innovation within the organization, as well as an internal framework for managing new ideas and experimentation. By using a bottom-up approach, the initiative prototyped and tested with a variety of solutions to problems identified by employees, and documented the lessons learned while also making them available to all employees.

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Many of the CSA's missions and activities contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. In addition to providing support for over 60 applications and services to build sustainable food production systems and strengthen the capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, RCM became one of the most responsive satellite systems in the virtual constellation supporting the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters', delivering critical data to disaster management authorities to allow for a quick response to catastrophic events (SDG 13.1).

The CSA's support of science and earth observation missions, including SCISAT, SWOT and WildFireSat, contributes to advancing our understanding of climate-related hazards and natural disasters, such as the effects on air quality from wildfires and complex hydrological effects on the environment (SDG 13.1).

The CSA is conducting studies that will help to inform Canada's potential future participation in space missions, such as NASA's Aerosol — Clouds, Convection, Precipitation mission and Canada's Terrestrial Snow Mass Mission, that will improve our understanding of climate change science (SDG 13.1).

Through the CCP, the CSA contributed to increasing the number of youth and adults who pursue education and skills development. The project, which was designed to promote the social and economic inclusion of all, involves more than 500 post-secondary students, with a roughly equal gender split (SDG 10.2).

The climate change risk analysis for the entire CSA real estate portfolio has been completed, as has the carbon-neutral qualitative study for the John H. Chapman Space Centre. These studies will help identify and prioritize the next steps to draw up the long-term plan that will allow the CSA to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The results of a mobility and sustainable transport study have been received, which will help identify actions to facilitate and encourage sustainable transportation among our employees. The implementation of composting at the Space Centre, an effort to reduce waste generation (SDG 12.3) has been postponed until employees return to the workplace after the pandemic measures are lifted.

As of March 31, 2021, the composition of CSA's Executive Committee was 69% women and 31% men, supporting women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership (SDG 5.5).

Financial, human resources and performance information for the Canadian Space Agency's Program Inventory is available in GC InfoBase (Infographic for Canadian Space Agency Results).