Toronto’s Space Flight Laboratory is a Pioneer in the Evolution of Small Satellites

NORsat-1 in EMC test at SFL. Two AIS antennas may be seen at the top, and four Langmuir probes off to the sides. The solar wings of the satellite are at the bottom. Credit: Space Flight Laboratory.

Dr. Robert Zee is the only director the Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) at the University of Toronto Institute of Aerospace has known since its inception in 1998. Over the years SFL has been an innovator in the field of small satellites and without question can be regarded as one of its pioneers.

Robert is my guest on this weeks SpaceQ podcast.

What started as an idea has involved into a educational powerhouse in the small satellite field. SFL has produced engineers that have gone on to be part of startups such as Deep Space Industries. Along the way they also turned their original idea into a business. A business that is growing.

Today, SFL employs over 50 people and they have 18 satellites to their credit that have been launched to orbit that are performing well.

Currently they have 15 satellites in development and that number is increasing.

In my wide ranging interview with Robert, you’ll learn a little of SFL’s history, their innovations, future plans and some of the challenges they face as small satellites go beyond low earth orbit.

 

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About Marc Boucher

Boucher is an entrepreneur, writer, editor & publisher. He is the founder of SpaceQ Media Inc. and Executive Vice President, Content of SpaceNews. Boucher has 25+ years working in various roles in the space industry and a total of 30 years as a technology entrepreneur including creating Maple Square, Canada's first internet directory and search engine.

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