Canadian Expertise as a Contribution to Space Exploration

Paper number

IAC-06-A3.P.6.01

Author

Dr. Jean-Claude Piedboeuf, Canadian Space Agency, Canada

Coauthor

Dr. Alain Berinstain, Canadian Space Agency, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Erick Dupuis, Canadian Space Agency, Canada

Year

2006

Abstract

Space Exploration has been the subject of renewed interest following the NASA Vision for Exploration and the ESA Aurora Program. Canada is well positioned to provide key technologies and expertise that will be critical for space exploration. Much of this expertise lies on a strong background in space robotics and in scientific instrumentation in the Canadian industry base,  science community an internally in the Canadian Space Agency research group.

Canada has been involved in space robotics for more than 25 years through the Space Shuttle and International Space Station manipulators.  Canada is now also involved in space exploration through NASA’s Phoenix Scout mission, the Mars Science Laboratory and ESA’s ExoMars mission. 

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the Canadian industry are also involved in different projects for on-orbit servicing that are developing key technology for future space exploration missions. Examples include the Space Shuttle Tile Inspection system, low-mass manipulators (DARPA’s Orbital Express), autonomous rendezvous sensors (USAF’s XSS-11 and DLR’s TECSAS), ground control and autonomy (DARPA’s Orbital Express and DLR’s TECSAS)

In planetary exploration, Mars and the moon are the primary targets for many missions planned in the near future. Canada is developing a strong planetary exploration program with an emphasis on Mars and moon exploration. As examples, this paper will describe the involvement of Canada in some of the planned Mars mission: Phoenix meteorological station, MSL Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer and ExoMars rover. It will also discuss development in moon resource extraction: drilling and processing. An additional area of interest is Intelligent Medical System that will be required for long distance travel. 

Abstract document

IAC-06-A3.P.6.01.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-A3.P.6.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.