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Section 2: Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome
Program Activity: Space Based Earth Observation
Program Activity Priority: The program activity objective is to develop and operationalize the use of space Earth Observation (EO) for the benefit of Canadians, especially in the fields of environment, resource and land use management, as well as security and foreign policy.
| Space Based Earth Observation (EO) Program Activity Performance Measurement |
|
|---|---|
| Expected Result #1 | Performance Indicators |
| The benefits of activities involved in Earth Observation from space serve Canadian users in the fields of environment, resource and land-use management, and security and sovereignty. | 1. Proportion of active missions relative to the total number of missions supported by Canada in the three EO priority areas. 2. Number of applications developed that have reached an operational stage as a result of CSA's participation in space missions or support to projects or activities in EO. 3. Number of concrete uses/utilizations as a result of CSA's participation in space missions or support to projects or activities in EO. |
Planning and Reporting Continuity: RPP 2009-2010 and DPR 2008-2009: |
|
| Resources | 2010-2011 | 2011-2012 | 2012-2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial ($ in millions) | 88.7 | 108.4 | 106.2 |
| Human (FTEs) | 62.9 | 56.7 | 58.6 |
Summary of the Planning Highlights for Space Based Earth Observation
Through the Earth Observation Application Development and the Government Related Initiatives Programs, the CSA will continue satellite data application development and use to support the growth of Earth observation capabilities within the Canadian government departments and the service industry.
Canadian departments will continue to take advantage of the many capabilities offered by RADARSAT-1 and 2 as new applications become operational. The CSA will continue to manage the $445 million worth of prepaid data allocation to ensure that maximum benefits are realized, following the RADARSAT-2 Data Utilization Management Plan.
The CSA will continue to develop the RADARSAT Constellation mission, to meet the Canadian Government needs, particularly for maritime surveillance, disaster management and ecosystem monitoring. A Preliminary Design initiated in 2008 is expected to be completed by March 2010.
Through the Atmospheric Science Program, the CSA will support the production and use of space-based observations of atmospheric gases and aerosols in improving climate and weather models.
Benefits for Canadians
Earth observation missions drive many of the changes that are improving our quality of life by helping our government deliver on priorities such as protection of the environment, sustainable development, management of natural resources, understanding climate change, monitoring air quality, and providing support for disaster management. For instance, space based Earth observation enables monitoring of the environment with unparalleled coverage and scope, enhancing our forecasting capabilities and our understanding of environmental systems. Earth observation data are used for sustainable management and development of natural resources, land use, fisheries and agriculture.
EO missions are also critical to security and sovereignty, offering cost-effective, wide-area surveillance of land and maritime environments that are difficult to access, such as coastal approaches and the Northwest Passage.
The list of governmental users of EO data includes Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Canadian Ice Service, Natural Resources Canada, the Department of National Defence, and the provinces and territories.
To learn more about the Earth Observation Program Activity, go to:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/asc/eng/resources/publications/default.asp#parliament
Program Activity: Space Science and Exploration
Program Activity Priority: The program activity objective is to better understand the Solar System and the Universe; expand our knowledge on the constituent elements and origins of life; and strengthen a human presence in space. In doing so, the CSA will sustain and increase Canada's contribution to humankind's scientific knowledge, to the exploration of our solar system and the Universe and to the development of related technologies.
| SPACE SCIENCE AND EXPLORATION (SE) Program Activity Performance Measurement |
|
|---|---|
| Expected Result #1 | Performance Indicators |
| Participation in Canadian and international missions expands the scientific knowledge base made available to Canadian academia and R&D communities in the areas of astronomy, space exploration and solar-terrestrial relations, as well as in physics and life sciences. | 1. Proportion of active missions relative to the total number of missions supported by Canada in the SE priority areas. 2. Number of scientific instruments and technological applications developed as a result of CSA's participation in space missions or support to projects or activities in SE. 3. Number of peer-reviewed papers produced in academia and the R&D community in Canada recognizing CSA's support through its participation in space missions and support to projects and activities in SE. |
Planning and Reporting Continuity: RPP 2009-2010 and DPR 2008-2009: |
|
| Resources | 2010-2011 | 2011-2012 | 2012-2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial ($ in millions) | 185.4 | 156.1 | 95.9 |
| Human (FTEs) | 225.9 | 220.8 | 204.2 |
Summary of the Planning Highlights for Space Science and Exploration
More than half of the $110 million envelope allocated by Canada's Economic Action Plan will be spent in 2010-2011 on two projects: Exploration Surface Mobility (ESM) and Next Generation Canadarm (NGC). ESM will develop and/or improve prototypes comprising hardware and software components of Lunar Exploration Rover focusing in utilitarian tasks and on light mobility tasks and on the Mars science rovers to collect sample and perform scientific investigation. The NGC will deliver prototypes of the next generation space robotics systems to be used in Earth, Lunar or Martian orbit for the servicing of international space exploration spacecraft, or of the next generation satellites.
The CSA will continue to support the International Space Station (ISS) assembly and maintenance operations and will initiate operational use of Dextre as a new element to effect repairs on the ISS. In return, the CSA expects to be able to fully exploit the long-term access to this unique space environment as a platform for microgravity research with such missions as: BISE, a neuroscience study of perception; APEX-Cambium, which examines the role of gravity in the formation of “tension wood”; BCAT-5, which will lead to improved understanding of crystal growth in colloids components of many industrial processes; and VASCULAR, a study of the effects of spaceflight on the structure and function of blood vessels.
The CSA will maintain a healthy, trained and versatile Astronaut Corps and professional support team to meet the needs of Canadian space science and human exploration programs. The CSA will continue its involvement in projects with operational relevance that address current and future needs in space medicine in order to understand, quantify and mitigate or eliminate medical risks associated with human space flights.
Through the new CSA Class Grant and Contribution Program to support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology, the CSA will continue to support the development of science and technology, to foster the development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada in areas relevant to the priorities of the Canadian Space Agency.
The CSA and the Department of National Defence are partnering to manage the NEOSSat mission, a combination of Near Earth Space Surveillance (NESS) and High Earth Orbit Surveillance (HEOS) projects. It is expected that 50% of NEOSSat time will be used to observe the inner portion of the solar system to discover, track and study asteroids and comets. The other 50% of the operating time will be used to track satellites in high-Earth orbit to update the orbit parameters of known satellites flying over the Canadian territory. The NEOSSat spacecraft will undergo manufacture, assembly, integration and testing activities during 2010-2011 in order to be ready for launch towards the end of the fiscal year.
In today's context of environmental change and resource depletion, space science and technology developments for space exploration have great potential to bring about socio-economic benefits that will improve how we live, prosper, and evolve on our planet.
With the Economic Action Plan, the government of Canada reinforced its vision and commitment towards world-class scientific research and leading-edge innovative technologies. For the space community this translates into a $110 million envelope for the CSA Stimulus initiative to be contracted-out to Canadian industries, with the possibility of sub-contracts to universities. The two main objectives of this initiative are the preservation and growth of Canadian expertise and leadership in space robotics, and the increased readiness and credibility of Canada as a partner for future space robotics projects and general space exploration. Space exploration, science, and technology endeavours, which often involve international partners, will continue to put the CSA in a favourable position to build strong and mutually beneficial partnerships with an increasing number of space faring countries. The space community is essential to the prosperity of global commerce and the safety of Canadians through the peaceful use of space.
To learn more about Space Science and Exploration Program Activity, go to:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/asc/eng/resources/publications/default.asp#parliament
Program Activity Priority: The program activity objective is to provide all Canadians with the means to participate and fully benefit from the global information age.
| SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS (SC) Program Activity Performance Measurement |
|
|---|---|
| Expected Result #1 | Performance Indicators |
| State-of-the-art systems and applications are developed to satisfy the needs of the Canadian government and population in order to ensure that Canada remains a world leader in satellite communications. | 1. Proportion of active missions relative to the total number of missions supported by Canada in the SC priority areas. 2. Number of technological applications developed as a result of CSA's participation in space missions or support to projects and activities in SC. |
Planning and Reporting Continuity: RPP 2009-2010 and DPR 2008-2009: |
|
| Resources | 2010-2011 | 2011-2012 | 2012-2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial ($ in millions) | 19.7 | 14.4 | 11.7 |
| Human (FTEs) | 13.6 | 11.6 | 11.7 |
Summary of the Planning Highlights for Satellite Communications
The CSA will work to optimise the use of the Government of Canada capacity credit for broadband telecommunications services in the North. Additional demonstration of Ka-band technology will improve the use of the Anik F2 by northern communities for trials of innovative services by government departments. The next step consists of securing the authorities required to proceed with the large scale deployment and utilization of the Government of Canada Ka-band Capacity Credit for the benefit of the northern communities.
The CSA will complete the assessment of the requirements of the Canadian government users and will continue to elaborate the concept for a polar satellite system as part of a joint study with Department of National Defence and Environment Canada. The Concept of the Polar Communications and Weather Mission aims at putting a constellation of satellites in a highly elliptical orbit over the Northern Hemisphere to monitor weather and climate change, and provide communication services in the Arctic region. The weather component of the mission falls within the Earth Observation program activity, while the polar communication falls within the Satellite Communication program activity.
In 2004-2005, as part of the CASSIOPE Mission Contribution Program, the CSA initiated the development and demonstration of the Cascade telecommunications payload on a small satellite spacecraft. Cascade is the precursor of a communication satellite constellation that will help position Canadian industry on the international market, both as a supplier of advanced components and as a service provider of high-volume, high-data-rate tele-communications anywhere in the world. This small satellite is fully designed and constructed by Canadian companies. The launch is scheduled for 2010.
The CSA and the Department of National Defence (DND) are partnering to manage M3MSat micro-satellite project which is based on an Automatic Identification System (AIS) payload. This project will demonstrate and further develop a multi-mission micro-satellite bus capability; will establish micro-satellites as operationally cost effective, will allow optimization of the AIS payload in maritime traffic identification, and will be complementary to CSA's RADARSAT Constellation program and to DND's Polar Epsilon program. Detailed design will be finalized and manufacturing will start in 2010-2011. The launch is planned for March 2011 and the mission demonstration should end in 2013.
The CSA will continue to do research and development activities in the area of search and rescue in order to support the next-generation of satellite-based Middle Earth Orbit Search-and-Rescue (MEOSAR). The objective is to use navigation satellites such as GPS and Galileo to relay in near real-time signals from activated distress beacons located in ships, plane or on a single individual needing help.
Satellite Communications facilitates the linking of all Canadians by increasing the delivery of non-commercial services to Canadian remote communities, and support federal government department's program delivery. The Government of Canada capacity credit will be instrumental in this endeavour.
Space infrastructure allows access and dissemination of timely health, cultural, educational, security and safety-related information to all Canadians wherever they live in Canada. Satellite communications are essential to provide Canadians living in remote areas with timely access to expert knowledge and expertise related to health and education through a range of non-commercial services including: e-government, e-learning, tele-justice, tele-education, as well as tele-medicine in areas such as tele-psychiatry, tele-radiology, tele-surgery, and tele-consultations.
Satellite communications missions are also critical to the security and sovereignty of Canada, offering cost-effective, broadband capabilities to Canadian Forces and Cost Guard over land and maritime environments that are difficult to access, such as in the Arctic, coastal approaches and the Northwest Passage.
To learn more about Satellite Communications Program Activity, go to:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/asc/eng/resources/publications/default.asp#parliament
Program Activity Priority: Provide leadership, coordination or support to Earth Observation, Space Science and Exploration, and Satellite Communications through activities that are generic in their nature since they contribute to all three program activities.
| GENERIC TECHNOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES (GTA) IN SUPPORT OF EO,
SE, AND SC Program Activity Performance Measurement |
|
|---|---|
| Expected Result #1 | Performance Indicators |
| Canada's industrial technological capabilities can meet the needs of future space missions and activities. | 1. Ratio of the number of priority technologies identified for future EO, SE and SC missions and the number of priority technologies developed in GTA. 2. Number of priority technologies supported that are ready to be used. |
Planning and Reporting Continuity: RPP 2009-2010 and DPR 2008-2009: |
|
| Resources | 2010-2011 | 2011-2012 | 2012-2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial ($ in millions) | 46.2 | 48.4 | 48.9 |
| Human (FTEs) | 120.4 | 131.1 | 131.8 |
Summary of the Planning Highlights of Generic Technological Activities
Through contracts and contributions, the Space Technology Development Program will encourage industry and research organizations to propose innovative technologies, retire risk on the critical technologies required for future missions of Canadian interest, and contribute to the enhancement of Canadian capabilities.
The David Florida Laboratory will be upgraded in order to continue to provide world-class and cost-effective environmental space qualification services for the assembly, integration and testing of spacecraft systems to CSA's programs, as well as national and international clients. The CSA intends to make its research facilities more accessible and available to academia and the Canadian space industry.
The CSA ensures the development and maintenance of Canadian scientific, technological and engineering expertise required to deliver current and future Canadian Space Programs. This collaborative effort is formalized under grants, contributions, national and international partnership agreements, or contracts. The activities are mainly carried out by Canadian academia and industry, through leadership by the CSA, with the participation of granting agencies, government departments, foreign space agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and provincial governments.
The CSA ensures the development and maintenance of scientific and technical expertise required to initiate projects and provide support on a matrixed basis to Earth Observation, Space Science and Exploration and Satellite Communications missions.
Through its R&D investments and the resulting transfers of applications to the private and public sectors, the CSA's programs and activities attract highly educated and highly skilled labour that contributes to Canada's knowledge-based economy, helps enhance the Canadian space industry's competitiveness by encouraging dynamic trade relationships with other nations, and increases Canada's ability to compete in the global marketplace.
To learn more about Generic Technological Activities Supporting Earth Observation, Space Science and Exploration, and
Satellite Communications Program Activity, go to:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/asc/eng/resources/publications/default.asp#parliament
Program Activity Priority: To implement the government's commitment to modern public service management in accordance with the Management Accountability Framework's (MAFs) expectations.
| INTERNAL SERVICES Program Activity Performance Measurement |
|
|---|---|
| Expected Result #1 | Performance Indicators |
| Internal Services provide an added value to CSA managers in the performance of their duties. | 1. Internal Services provided meet standards set under government-wide policies. 2. CSA's rating against MAF criteria based on Round VII assessment. |
| Expected Result #2 | Performance Indicator |
| The highest priority risks identified in the CSA corporate risk profile are addressed and mitigated. | 1. Mitigation action plans are implemented against the corporate risks identified as highest priorities. |
Planning and Reporting Continuity: RPP 2009-2010 and DPR 2008-2009: |
|
| Resources | 2010-2011 | 2011-2012 | 2012-2013 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial ($ in millions) | 42.8 | 42.9 | 42.1 |
| Human (FTEs) | 269.9 | 273.3 | 269.3 |
Summary of the Planning Highlights for Internal Services
In order to align the CSA's strategies, planning priorities, funding levels, and operations, once approved by the government, the Long Term Space Plan will be integrated in the corporate finance, work planning, performance measurement, and human resources planning information systems for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
In order for the CSA to have its management practices meet the standards set by the Government wide policies, the following actions will be undertaken in 2010-2011:
- The final review of the Program Activity Architecture and the Performance Management Framework that will support for the implementation of the Long Term Space Plan in 2011-2012;
- The review of the governance structure and corporate risk management framework; and,
- The development and approval of a five-year Evaluation Plan applicable to the 2011-2012 Program Activity Architecture.