ARCHIVED - Canadian Space Agency

Contribution to European Space Agency (ESA)

Description:

Through key international partnerships, enhance the Canadian industry's technological base and provide access to European market for value-added products and services in the field of EO.

Strategic Outcome:

Canada's presence in space meets the needs of Canadians for scientific knowledge, space technology and information.

Expected Results (Program Activity Level)

Space Based Earth Observation:

Delivery, directly or in partnership, of Space Based EO data, products and services in response to operational and scientific user requirements in the fields of Environment, Resource and Land Use Management, and Security and Foreign Policy, supported by access capacity development.

Space Science and Exploration:

Increased participation in Canadian and international opportunities in order to expand the scientific knowledge base made available to Canadian academia and R&D communities in astronomy, space exploration and solar-terrestrial relations, as well as physical and life sciences.

Satellite Communications:

1) Increased access for Canadians to state-of-the-art space communications systems and services to meet their social and economic needs.

2) Better use of space communications, search and rescue, and global navigation satellite systems and applications to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of other government departments in delivering services to Canadians.

Generic Space Activities in support of EO, SE and SC:

Innovative space technologies, techniques, and design and test methodologies in response to advanced developments required for future space missions and activities.

Expected Accomplishments:

Successful development and demonstration of advanced technologies, systems, components, and studies provided for in the contracts awarded by ESA to Canadian firms under the following ESA EO programs: EOEP, GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) Service Element and GMES Space Component.

Continue do develop the Space Exploration programs ELIPS and Aurora.

Successful development and demonstration of advanced technologies, systems, components, or studies provided for in the contracts awarded by ESA to Canadian firms under the following ESA Telecommunications and Navigation programs: ARTES 1,3,4,5,8 and GalileoSat.

Growing utilization of data obtained from ESA on markets and Earth observation / Telecommunications technologies as strategic information for government departments, agencies and industries in Canada.

Because of our participation in Europe's telecommunication, Earth observation and exploration programs, more demonstration of space-qualified technologies and products developed by Canadian firms for the space markets take place.

Development of new alliances and/or strengthening of established alliances between Canadian and European companies, to diversify Canada's international space partnerships and complement its long-standing relationship with the U.S.

Actual Accomplishments:

Several technologies and skills have been developed and improved through the participation of Canadian companies in ESA programs. Some businesses have integrated these technologies into products, allowing them to sell these products in other than European markets. In addition to generating revenues, the development and improvement of space technologies also created or maintained specialized jobs. In addition, specialized skills were created in the areas of space hardware, ground segment, and space technology applications.

The program served to boost the visibility of Canada in European markets. Canadian contractors see the ESA Contribution program as a means of cultivating business relationships. The program also fosters regional development and access to other markets by virtue of the successes of companies in Europe. Furthermore, Canada expanded its knowledge and technology in fields such as weather and ice movement forecasting, Earth Observation data, satellite communications technologies, environmental monitoring and security.

Notes:

• Due to rounding, figures may not add up to totals shown.
• This table details contribution programs with funding in excess of $5 million per annum.

Comments on Variances:

Several factors explain the year-to year fluctuations in spending under Canada/European Space Agency (ESA) programs: the cash flow requirements of ESA programs which Canada is participating in (the budget requirements vary with the project's delivery phase), the slippage in the disbursements for Canada/ESA programs (the programs and associated contracts to industry are delivered by ESA; hence, the CSA has no direct control on actual project implementation), and the exchange rate fluctuations between Euros and Canadian dollars.

The positive variance of $4.0 million in 2007-2008 is due to: Surplus of $1.4 million related to surplus in the Risk Reserve associated to a lower exchange rates than anticipated between Euros and Canadian dollars during 2007-2008. The balance of $2.6 million is due to an amount reprofiled to future years following delays encountered to start three new optional programs (e.g. Earth Observation - 3, ELIPS - 2 and Aurora Exploration), in which Canada announced its participation at the December 2005 ESA Council. This involves a slippage in the disbursements for those programs to future years.

This variance is in accordance with the objectives and terms and conditions of the 2000-2009 Canada/ESA Cooperation Agreement. The Canadian industry (like that of other member states) is awarded contracts for the implementation of ESA optional programs in direct proportion to Canada's financial contributions to ESA.

Significant Audit and Evaluation Findings and URL (s) to the Last Audit and/or Evaluation:

Canada is well thought of by Europeans, as the 28 years of cooperation between ESA and Canada clearly demonstrates. Canadian companies have made a significant contribution to the many technologies developed in the areas of Earth Observation and Satellite Communications.

Several businesses have developed business relationships with Europe thanks to the Agreement, and all stakeholders in the program agree that these relationships could continue, provided that Canada maintains its financial contribution to ESA. Canadian businesses have cultivated alliances with each other to benefit from or facilitate access to European markets through ESA programs under the Agreement.

The program helps diversify and open markets and aids in the achievement of objectives under the Canadian Space Strategy respecting Earth Observation and Satellite Communications. However, it does not lead to the transfer of technologies as much as to the exchange of information on technologies.

Small- and medium-sized companies have difficulty taking part in ESA programs and require greater support, not only to access these markets, but also to develop expertise so that they can continue doing business in these markets after their initial participation in ESA programs.

Source: Evaluation of the Canada/ESA Cooperation Agreement
www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/er-0405-0202.asp

CASSIOPE Mission

Description:

Support the integration of two payloads on a single generic Canadian small satellite bus the CASCADE telecommunications Ka-Band component and the enhanced Polar Outflow Probe (ePOP) scientific instrument.

Strategic Outcome:

Canada's presence in space meets the needs of Canadians for scientific knowledge, space technology and information.

Expected Results (Program Activity Level)

Space Science and Exploration:

Increased participation in Canadian and international opportunities in order to expand the scientific knowledge base made available to Canadian academia and R&D communities in astronomy, space exploration and solar-terrestrial relations, as well as physical and life sciences.

Satellite Communications:

1) Increased access for Canadians to state-of-the-art space communications systems and services to meet their social and economic needs.

2) Better use of space communications, search and rescue, and global navigation satellite systems and applications to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of other government departments in delivering services to Canadians.

Generic Space Activities in support of EO, SE and SC:

Innovative space technologies, techniques, and design and test methodologies in response to advanced developments required for future space missions and activities.

Expected Accomplishments:

Development and demonstration of the CASCADE Ka-Band telecommunications payload designed and built by Canadian companies. CASCADE is the precursor of communication satellite constellations that will help position the Canadian industry on the international market as a supplier of advanced components and a service provider.

Development of a small Canadian scientific satellite, the enhanced Polar Outflow Probe (ePOP), which will probe the upper atmosphere and ionosphere region where solar variability influences global change in various time scales.

Development of a generic Canadian small satellite bus that could also be used for future Canadian missions.

Actual Accomplishments:

Continued manufacture of the Cascade payload and preparation for assembly, integration and test in the spacecraft. Continued manufacture of ePOP instruments, data handling units and booms. Planned payload assembly and test and integration into the spacecraft. Continued manufacture, test and integration of the generic small satellite bus.

Notes:

• Due to rounding, figures may not add up to totals shown.
• This table details contribution programs with funding in excess of $5 million per annum.

Comments on Variances:

CASSIOPE: Program delays due to problems with the development of critical components (DSU, C&DH) and the move of the launch date from November 2008 to June 2009 due to delays in the development of the Falcon launch vehicle. After detailed reviews of all the mission components, the schedule and milestones were modified to fit the new program schedule and launch date and the cash flow projections were adjusted accordingly.

ePOP: The additional funding for ePOP was necessitated by the extension of the CASSIOPE schedule and slippage of the launch date, which are beyond the control of the University of Calgary. The schedule extension will require the University of Calgary to stretch instrument development, assembly and test to fit the extended CASSIOPE schedule and maintain the project development teams at the universities and in industry for a longer period. The integration of ePOP with the CASSIOPE spacecraft is MacDonald, Dettwiller and Associates's responsibility, and will be performed at Bristol in Winnipeg and at the David Florida Lab in Ottawa. Synchronization of all program elements and activities, including the ePOP payload development, integration and test, is critical for success.

Significant Audit and Evaluation Findings and URL (s) to the Last Audit and/or Evaluation:

Management has adopted systems and procedures that make for appropriate monitoring of the CASSIOPE Contribution Program, particularly with regards to its technical aspect. The various specialists involved in Program monitoring, scrupulously review the monthly reports received from recipients. Moreover, presentations are made to senior management regularly to acquaint them with the advancement of the Program, both in terms of its execution and costs or scheduling. Management has also implemented a Risk-Based Audit Framework (RBAF) as well as a Results-based Management and Accountability Framework (RMAF).

Source: www.asc-csa.gc.ca/pdf/ar-0607-0102.pdf