Canada’s space and space-related economy: A Case Study
- Paper number
IAC-14,E6,2,3,x26923
- Author
Mr. Chuck Black, Canada
- Coauthor
Ms. Farnaz Ghadaki, Canadian Space Commerce Association, Canada
- Year
2014
- Abstract
When it comes to space, Canada is perhaps most well known for its Canadarm, and robotics is its flagship technical capability. But there’s more that meets the eye. Canada has a strong infrastructure to support and grow space and space-related development and commercial activities. These include hardware, software, systems and applications as well as miniaturization and manufacturing capabilities. Also, it is noteworthy to mention is the potential to tap into and leverage other sectors in which Canada hold a leading position, such as the mining industry, to expand its space, space-related, or space-scalable capabilities. This paper presents Canada as a case study analyzing the state of its space activities, taking into consideration agency, research institutions, the commercial sector as well as advocacy groups. The role of government and space agency is discussed in supporting and enabling development, research and commercial activities. The Canadian infrastructure sector comprising of 140 firms that in 2010 generated $3.44 billion (CAD) and over 8,000 jobs supporting space technologies and capabilities is analyzed and presented in detail. Implications of other sectors such as manufacturing and mining are also presented, providing a perspective on opportunities that exist for Canada. The analysis and data presented are based on and supported by industry reports, as well as the plethora of knowledge and expertise accumulated by the Canadian Space Commerce Association for over 8 years, including in aerospace, space, investments, and economic/tax benefits. It is hoped that this analysis and case study will serve to be a reference example that can also provoke inspiration and dialogue to grow and expand our global commercial space sector.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)