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Sources of Federal Government and Employee Information

Canadian Space Agency

Table of Contents

General Information

Introduction to Info Source

Info Source: Sources of Federal Government and Employee Information provides information about the functions, programs, activities and related information holdings of government institutions subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. It provides individuals and employees of the government (current and former) with relevant information to access personal information about themselves held by government institutions subject to the Privacy Act and to exercise their rights under the Privacy Act.

The Introduction and an index of institutions subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act are available centrally.

The Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act assign overall responsibility to the President of Treasury Board (as the designated Minister) for the government-wide administration of the legislation.

Background

Established in , the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is an independent 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. , c. 13. The CSA was created from divisions of the former Ministry of State for Science and Technology (MOSST), the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), the Department of Communications (DOC) and Energy Mines and Resources (EMR). The CSA reports to Parliament through the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Canada.

More information about CSA's history can be found on the web site : asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/about/csa-organization.asp.

Responsibilities

The mandate of the CSA 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 CSA is achieving this mandate in collaboration with Canadian industry, academia, Government of Canada (GoC) organizations, and other international space agencies or organizations. Such partnering maximizes the economic, scientific, and technological benefits and enhances synergies between institutions across the country and with other nations. The founding legislation voted in attributed four main functions to the CSA: Assisting the Minister in the coordination of the space policies and programs; Planning and implementing programs and projects related to scientific or industrial space research and development, and application of space technology; Promoting the transfer and diffusion of space technology to and throughout Canadian industry; and, Encouraging commercial exploitation of space capabilities, technology, facilities and systems.

The Canada's Space Policy Framework () modernizes Canada's space program for the second decade of the 21st century and beyond. It provides clarity with respect to Government priorities and strengthens governance of the space program. Implementation of its core principles will ensure that the Canadian Space Program will be able to deliver the services the Government requires to protect and advance national interests; that industry will find the necessary support to be competitive in global markets; and that academia will be well positioned to conduct the research that will be the foundation of future space missions.

Institutional Functions, Programs and Activities

Future Canadian Space Capacity

This program attracts, sustains and enhances the nation's critical mass of Canadian space specialists, fosters Canadian space innovation and know-how, and preserves the nation's space-related facilities capability. It secures the nation's strategic and ongoing presence in space in the future and to preserve Canada's capability to deliver internationally renowned space assets for future generations.

Qualifying and Testing Services

Specialized activities and services for the assembly, integration, and testing of space hardware. It involves space qualifying technology, sub-units, units or entire spacecraft developed by Canadian academic institutions, government organizations, and industry, as well as international partners and clients.

Qualifying and Testing Services – Specialized activities and services
Description: Files on the specialized activities and services for the assembly, integration, and testing of space hardware and involves space qualifying technology, sub-units, units or entire spacecraft developed by Canadian academic institutions, government organizations, and industry, as well as international partners and clients.
Document Types: Correspondence, marketing plans, presentations, procedures and reports.
Record Number: CSA FCS 005

David Florida Laboratory (DFL)
Description: Files on space qualification services and functional and environmental testing of space hardware. Files on the projects assembled and tested at the DFL.
Document Types: Contracts, correspondence, deliverables, evaluations, information on tests, presentations, reports and timetables.
Record Number: CSA FCS 010

Space Expertise and Proficiency

Development and enhancement of Canada's space capacity through people. Supports research in private or public organizations and includes learning activities targeted at Canadian youth. This is accomplished by encouraging scientists and engineers to pursue relevant space science and technology development activities with attractive initiatives and top facilities, and by promoting scientific and technical studies with Canadian students.

Space Expertise and Proficiency – Development and enhancement
Description: Information on the development and enhancement of Canada's space capacity through people. Files on the support to research in private or public organizations and on learning activities. Information on the support to graduate university students and working professionals for missions that allow frequent flight opportunities and through the upgrade of world-class space research and training facilities.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, concept documents, contracts, correspondence, description documents, grants and contributions documents, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA FCS 015

Space Learning Ended
Description: Files on the use of space to increase interest in science and technology among Canadian students and educators and on the promotion of the development of hands-on expertise.
Document Types: Collaboration agreements, conferences and workshop publications, contracts, correspondence, educational material, presentations and training material, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations and studies.
Record Number: CSA FCS 020

Support to Scientists and Engineers Integrated to Sub-Program Space Expertise and Proficiency

Space Innovation and Market Access

This Program includes the development and enhancement of Canada's space capacity through innovation and market positioning.

Space Innovation and Market Access - Development
Description: Information on leading-edge technology and facilities and on international arrangements to improve Canadian industrial competitiveness. Information on the fostering of entrepreneurship that enhances Canadian industry's international positioning on commercial and government markets.
Document Types: Agendas, agreements, contracts, correspondence, deliverables, grants or contributions documents, minutes, presentations, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations and reports.
Record Number: CSA FCS 030

Enabling Technology Development
Description: Files on technology development and demonstration activities that contribute to maintaining or developing a technological edge in promising fields, such as switches, batteries, launchers, antennas, solar panels, etc.
Document Types: Contracts, correspondence, deliverables, presentations, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, and timetables.
Record Number: CSA FCS 040

International Market Access
Description: Information on the negotiation, implementation and management of special international arrangements to facilitate foreign market access by the Canadian space industry.
Document Types: Agreements, arrangements, correspondence, reports and presentations.
Record Number: CSA FCS 035

Space Data, Information and Services

This Program includes the provision of space-based solutions (data, information and services) and the expansion of their utilization. It also serves to install and run ground infrastructure that processes the data and operates satellites.

Earth Orbit Satellite Missions and Technology

This activity encompasses the development and use of complete Canadian satellite systems or of sub-systems, payloads, instruments or other components provided to domestic and foreign satellites. It also includes the development of advanced technologies that could shape or determine the nature of potential new Earth orbit satellite missions.

Earth Orbit Satellite Missions and Technology – Development and use
Description: Files on the development and use of complete Canadian satellite systems or of sub-systems, payloads, instruments or other components provided to domestic and foreign satellites. Information on the development of advanced technologies. These files contain information on projects such as RADARSAT-1, RADARSAT-2 and RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) and on the CSA participation to the International Charter Space and Major Disasters and to committees such as the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS).
Document Types: Agendas, agreements, announcements of opportunity, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, minutes, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA SDI 005

Communications Missions
Description: Information on the definition, design, technology development, implementation and operational use of Earth orbit satellites dedicated to delivering continuous communications, including Navigation, Positioning and Timing (NPT) services. Information on missions and projects such as the Polar Communications and Weather (PCW) Mission, M3MSat, NEOSSat, Enhanced Polar Outflow Probe (ePOP) and Cascade telecommunications payload.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA SDI 010

Earth Observation Missions
Description: Information on the definition, design, technology development, implementation and operational use of Earth orbit satellites dedicated to producing data, information or imagery of Earth and its atmosphere, ranging from its sub-surface to its upper atmospheric layers, including space surveillance for asteroids, Earth orbiting objects and space debris.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA SDI 015

Scientific Missions
Description: Information on the definition, design, technology development, implementation and use of Earth orbit satellites dedicated to producing scientific data and information for research performed by Other Government Departments (OGDs) or academia. Examples of this research are those pertaining to climate processes and space weather (solar winds and their interaction with the Earth's magnetic field).
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA SDI 020

Ground Infrastructure

Development of an integrated and coordinated national system of ground infrastructure to receive data from domestic or foreign satellites. The ground infrastructure houses and uses the equipment required for satellite operations.

Ground Infrastructure - Development
Description: Files on the development of an integrated and coordinated national system of ground infrastructure to receive data from domestic or foreign satellites. In addition, the ground infrastructure houses and uses the equipment required for satellite operations.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA SDI 025

Data Handling
Description: Information on a coordinated national approach to determine optimal station locations and space data handling. Files on the planning and tasking of data acquisition, as well as the capture, calibration, cataloguing, archiving and availability of space data received from domestic or foreign satellites to assist OGDs in delivering their mandate.
Data handling operations are mostly conducted with CSA equipment, located in its ground facilities. In some instances, formal arrangements can be concluded between CSA, OGDs or international partners to use another party's equipment located within its facilities.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, space data, studies and timetables.
Format: Space data is in the form of imagery
Record Number: CSA SDI 030

Satellite Operations
Description: Files on the Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) of Canadian satellites or of foreign satellites when such services are required from Canadian stations. The operations of CSA satellites are mostly conducted with CSA equipment located in its ground facilities. In some instances, formal arrangements can be concluded between CSA, Canadian industry, OGDs or international partners to operate one party's satellites using another party's equipment. Those arrangements can also provide for the location of one party's equipment in another party's facilities.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, arrangements, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, space data, studies and timetables.
Format: Space data is in the form of imagery
Record Number: CSA SDI 035

Space Data, Imagery and Services Utilization Development

Develops the utilization of space-based data, imagery and information, and of communications services available on space assets for the benefit of the user community, primarily OGDs and academia.

Space Data, Imagery and Services Utilization Development – Space assets
Description: Information regarding the development of the utilization of space-based data, imagery and information, and of communications services available on space assets for the benefit of the user community, primarily OGDs and academia.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, arrangements, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, grants or contributions documents, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, space data, studies and timetables.
Format: Space data is in the form of imagery
Record Number: CSA SDI 040

Communications Services Utilization
Description: Information regarding the development of the utilization of space communications, including NPT services available through Canadian and foreign satellites.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, arrangements, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA SDI 045

Earth Observation Data and Imagery Utilization
Description: Information regarding the development of the utilization of Earth observation imagery and atmospheric data acquired from Canadian and foreign space assets, ranging from its sub-surface to its upper atmospheric layers. This also applies to weather and climate imagery.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, arrangements, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, space data, studies and timetables.
Format: Space data is in the form of imagery
Record Number: CSA SDI 050

Scientific Data Utilization
Description: Information regarding the development of the utilization and the validation of the quality of Canadian and foreign space-based scientific data and derived information that address science questions, such as those related to our understanding of the Earth's climate system and magnetic field (magnetosphere).
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, arrangements, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA SDI 055

Space Exploration

Provides valuable Canadian science, signature technologies and qualified astronauts to international space exploration endeavours.

Exploration Missions and Technology

Encompasses the development and use of astronomy and planetary missions as well as the development of advanced exploration technologies. It contributes valued Canadian signature technologies to international space exploration endeavours and generates a better understanding of the universe, the solar system and our home planet. It could also lead to technology transfers for terrestrial benefits. It provides Canadian industry and academia with unique opportunities through their participation in international space exploration initiatives.

Exploration Missions and Technology - Development
Description: Files on the development and use of astronomy and planetary missions as well as the development of advanced exploration technologies.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, arrangements, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, grants or contributions documents, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA SEC 005

Advanced Exploration Technology Development
Description: Files on the development of advanced Canadian signature technologies to be used in potential astronomy and planetary missions that could be destined for the Moon, Mars, asteroids or other celestial bodies. Information on the CSA's participation in international groups, such as the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG).
Document Types: Agreements, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA SEC 010

Planetary Missions
Description: Files on the definition, design, technology development, implementation and use of Canadian exploration signature technologies and scientific instruments made available to international exploration missions.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, arrangements, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA SEC 015

Space Astronomy Missions
Description: Files on the definition, design, technology development, implementation and use of complete Canadian space telescope systems and the provision of Canadian instruments, sensors and sub-systems to international space telescope or probe missions.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, arrangements, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA SEC 020

Human Space Missions and Support

Encompasses all activities required to recruit, develop, train and maintain a healthy and highly-qualified Canadian astronaut corps capable of participating in space exploration missions. It also includes all activities directed at mitigating health risks associated with those missions, such as the development of advanced technologies to be used in support of human space missions.

Human Space Missions and Support – Canadian astronauts
Description: Files on the all activities required to recruit, develop, train and maintain a healthy and highly-qualified Canadian astronaut corps capable of participating in space exploration missions. Files on activities directed at mitigating health risks associated with those missions, such as the development of advanced technologies to be used in support of human space missions.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, arrangements, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, grants or contributions documents, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA SEC 025

Astronaut Training and Missions
Description: Files on the activities associated with all phases of an astronaut career from recruitment to retirement, including space missions. Files on the management of National Astronaut Recruitment Campaigns; the implementation of individualized astronaut career management plan; the implementation of basic, advanced and mission-specific training; collateral duties assignment; space mission negotiations and assignment; as well as all the logistical, administrative and operational support activities in the pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight periods.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, arrangements, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA SEC 030

Health and Life Sciences
Description: Files on the space medicine and life sciences activities that explore health care delivery and life sustainability solutions on future long-duration exploration missions. These benefits are targeted at the space exploration community, mainly academia and partnering agencies. Information on the development of collaborative projects with academia and industry.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, arrangements, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA SEC 035

Operational Space Medicine
Description: Files on the delivery of operational and clinical healthcare activities during all phases of basic, advanced and mission-specific training as well as during the pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight periods.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, arrangements, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA SEC 040

International Space Station (ISS)

This activity uses the ISS – a unique Earth orbiting laboratory – to learn, to live and work in space while conducting scientific, medical and engineering studies. It includes the assembly and maintenance of the ISS through the use of the Canadian Mobile Servicing System (MSS) and the design, development and operations of payloads and technological demonstrations aboard the ISS.

ISS – Exploitation
Description: Files on the uses the ISS – a unique Earth orbiting laboratory – to learn, to live and work in space while conducting scientific, medical and engineering studies. It includes the assembly and maintenance of the ISS through the use of the Canadian MSS and the design, development and operations of payloads and technological demonstrations aboard the ISS.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, arrangements, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA SEC 045

ISS Assembly and Maintenance Operations
Description: Files on the provision and operation of the Canadian MSS, composed of three Canadian robots – Canadarm2, Dextre and the Mobile Base System. MSS operations and maintenance services are conducted by Canadian or foreign astronauts on board the ISS and by ground controllers and engineers located in established facilities at the CSA and NASA – Johnson Space Center. Information on the provision of specialized MSS training, systems engineering and software services, flight procedures development.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, arrangements, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA SEC 050

ISS Utilization
Description: Files on the implementation of scientific, operational, medical and technological studies in specific areas, such as life sciences, radiation, material or fluid sciences, to be conducted aboard the ISS by OGDs, academia or the private sector.
Document Types: Agreements, announcements of opportunity, arrangements, contracts, concept documents, correspondence, invitations to tender, procedures, project approval documents, proposals, proposal evaluations, reports, studies and timetables.
Record Number: CSA SEC 055

Internal Services

Internal services constitute groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. These groups are management and oversight services, communications services, legal services, human resources management services, financial management services, information management services, information technology services, real property services, materiel services, acquisition services, and travel and other administrative services. Internal services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided specifically to a program.

Acquisition Services

Acquisition services involve activities undertaken to acquire a good or service to fulfill a properly completed request (including a complete and accurate definition of requirements and certification that funds are available) until entering into or amending a contract.

Communications Services

Communications services involve activities undertaken to ensure that GoC communications are effectively managed, well coordinated and responsive to the diverse information needs of the public. The communications management function ensures that the public—internal or external—receives government information, and that the views and concerns of the public are taken into account in the planning, management and evaluation of policies, programs, services and initiatives.

Financial Management Services

Financial management services involve activities undertaken to ensure the prudent use of public resources, including planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting, control and oversight, analysis, decision support and advice, and financial systems.

Human Resources Management Services

Human resources management services involve activities undertaken for determining strategic direction, allocating resources among services and processes, as well as activities relating to analyzing exposure to risk and determining appropriate countermeasures. They ensure that the service operations and programs of the federal government comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies and plans.

Information Management Services

Information management services involve activities undertaken to achieve efficient and effective information management to support program and service delivery; foster informed decision making; facilitate accountability, transparency and collaboration; and preserve and ensure access to information and records for the benefit of present and future generations.

Information Technology Services

Information technology services involve activities undertaken to achieve efficient and effective use of information technology to support government priorities and program delivery, to increase productivity, and to enhance services to the public.

Legal Services

Legal services involve activities undertaken to enable government departments and agencies to pursue policy, program and service delivery priorities and objectives within a legally sound framework.

Management and Oversight Services

Management and oversight services involve activities undertaken for determining strategic direction and allocating resources among services and processes, as well as those activities related to analyzing exposure to risk and determining appropriate countermeasures. They ensure that the service operations and programs of the federal government comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies or plans.

Materiel Services

Materiel services involve activities undertaken to ensure that materiel can be managed by departments in a sustainable and financially responsible manner that supports the cost-effective and efficient delivery of government programs.

Real Property Services

Real property services involve activities undertaken to ensure that real property is managed in a sustainable and financially responsible manner, throughout its life cycle, to support the cost-effective and efficient delivery of government programs.

Travel and Other Administrative Services

Travel and other administrative services include GoC travel services, as well as those other internal services that do not smoothly fit with any of the internal services categories.

Classes of Personal Information

General Correspondence

In the course of conducting the programs and activities of the CSA, categories of personal information may be accumulated which are not contained in specific information banks described in this entry. This information is part of the general correspondence stored as part of the general subject file and not retrievable by any personal identifier. This form of personal information is normally retrievable by means of specific information such as subject and/or date of the communication. The retention period associated with this information are consistent with those associated with the general files wherein they are stored.

Manuals

Additional Information

The GoC encourages the release of information through requests outside of the Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) process. You may wish to consult the CSA's completed Access to Information Requests and Open Data and Open Information published on the Open government portal. To make an informal request, contact:

Canadian Space Agency - Contact Us
John H. Chapman Space Centre
6767 Route de l'Aéroport
Borough of Saint-Hubert
Longueuil, Quebec J3Y 8Y9
Telephone: 450-926-4800
Email : info@asc-csa.gc.ca

The CSA conducts Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) to ensure that privacy implications will be appropriately identified, assessed and resolved before a new or substantially modified program or activity involving personal information is implemented. Summaries of completed PIAs are available.

Please see the Introduction to this publication for information on formal access procedures under the provisions of the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. The following outlines how to make a formal ATIP request. Mail your letter or Access to Information Request Form (Access to Information Act) or Personal Information Request Form (Privacy Act), along with any necessary documents (such as consent or the $5.00 application fee for a request under the Access to Information Act) to the following address:

Canadian Space Agency
Nathalie Lévesque
Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator
6767 Route de l'Aéroport
Borough of Saint-Hubert
Longueuil, Quebec J3Y 8Y9
Telephone: 450-926-4866

Please note: Each request made to the CSA under the Access to Information Act must be accompanied by an application fee of $5.00, cheque or money order made payable to the Receiver General for Canada.

Reading Room

In accordance with the Access to Information Act and Privacy Act, an area on the premises will be made available should the applicant wish to review materials on site. The address is:

Canadian Space Agency
John H. Chapman Space Centre
Larkin-Kerwin Library
6767 Route de l'Aéroport
Borough of Saint-Hubert
Longueuil, Quebec  

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