Canada and the International Space Station Program: Overview and Status since IAC 2018

Paper number

IAC-19,B3,1,3,x51435

Author

Mrs. Katia Belley, Canada, Canadian Space Agency

Coauthor

Mr. Timothy Braithwaite, United States, Canadian Space Agency

Coauthor

Mr. Luc Lefebvre, Canada, Canadian Space Agency

Coauthor

Ms. Andrea Matte, Canada, Canadian Space Agency

Coauthor

Dr. Edward Tabarah, Canada, Canadian Space Agency

Coauthor

Mr. Ken Podwalski, Canada, Canadian Space Agency

Year

2019

Abstract

Since meeting in Bremen for the IAC 2018, the Canadian Space Station Program has been busy supporting the role of Canada’s Mobile Servicing System (MSS) in the maintenance and utilization of the ISS.  This paper focuses on the milestones reached and various activities that have occurred in the past twelve months.




The MSS is keeping pace with the steady flow of free flying cargo vehicles requiring capture and berthing by Canadarm2.  In addition to the free flyer traffic, the MSS also continues to support ISS utilization and robotic maintenance.  Of note, this year saw replacement of the second and third sets of ISS batteries.


Six years after the launch of Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, this year saw CSA’s third long duration space mission with Dr. David Saint-Jacques’ launch in December for an almost seven-month stay aboard the orbiting laboratory.  Back in Houston, CSA’s two newest astronauts completed their Basic Training, making them assignable to space missions.


Utilization of the ISS as a research platform continued with Canada funding experiments targeting the identification, characterization and mitigation of the risks of long-duration human spaceflight.  CSA’s research program visibility has benefited from the Canadian long-duration crew member’s time on ISS.


Along with other ISS partners, CSA is working towards supporting space station operations through the program’s end date of 2024 in order to continue to benefit from this unique space based laboratory.  In addition, on-going technology development and research is using ISS assets to build capabilities further enabling future exploration initiatives.

Abstract document

IAC-19,B3,1,3,x51435.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-19,B3,1,3,x51435.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.