Canadian Space Agency (CSA) announced the allocation of funds for the development of space technology, that can be applied as in civilian, and in the military spheres. Initiative is part of a new defense industrial strategy of Canada, Representatives of which stated this during the International Astronautical Congress.
Priority areas are defined: service and refueling of satellites, ensuring sustainable access to orbit, development of advanced robotic systems, application of artificial intelligence, creation of critical technologies for distant space missions, as well as the development of cyber security. In these areas, the interests of the defense and civilian sectors largely overlap.
In June, the Canadian government announced an increase in the defense budget by 9 billion Canadian dollars (about 6,5 billion US dollars) in the current fiscal year. Of this amount, more than 13 million Canadian dollars will be directed to support 17 national companies, that develop dual purpose technologies. The financing should strengthen the country's ability to respond to new challenges in the field of security, at the same time stimulating economic development and entry of companies into international markets.
Earth observation
Separately, CSA invests 5 million Canadian dollars in projects, that expand the use of satellite images and data. It is about monitoring the decline of species populations, habitat degradation, deterioration of water quality and changes in forest ecosystems.
Satellite Earth observation allows Canada to respond more effectively to large-scale fires, track rapid climate change in the Arctic, assess biodiversity loss and analyze extreme weather events. Such data help predict the consequences of these processes, support communities in taking care of territories, and reduce economic and infrastructure losses.
International cooperation
CSA also pays attention to the development of partnerships in the context of changing global trade processes. Recent examples include joint programs with the European Space Agency (THIS) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). This fall, the Canadarm2 manipulator on the International Space Station will perform the capture of the first Japanese cargo ship HTV-X.
in addition, CSA focuses on attracting new specialists and researchers, emphasizing Canada's openness to the most talented scientists and engineers, able to contribute to the development of space technologies.
Source: https://spacenews.com