The results of the consultation with the community by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) on future space exploration activities didn’t produce much in the way of surprises, but it did reinforce some key points including space resource utilization (SRU).
The CSA stated that they received 194 written submissions from stakeholders. They grouped these into five key themes:
- Canada’s Role in the Global Governance of Space: Participants saw a need for an updated international governance framework for space activities. Participants envisioned a leadership role for Canada in developing this framework.
- Updating Canada’s Regulatory Framework: Participants saw a need for an updated regulatory framework for space activities and emphasized the urgency of this task given the rapid development of space technology and the proliferation of space actors and new activities in space.
- Fostering Economic Opportunities: Participants offered suggestions for how the Government of Canada could support and foster space industry development by engaging with industry and providing clear regulations, incentives, infrastructure, and funding for commercial space activities.
- Enabling Space Resource Utilization (SRU): Participants expressed support for an SRU industry in Canada and emphasized the need for a clear regulatory framework around SRU to ensure the long-term sustainability of outer space.
- Consider Broader Issues: Participants highlighted the importance of incorporating Indigenous perspectives on space exploration and utilization. In addition, participants raised a number of other issues including the proliferation of space debris, the effect of light and radio pollution on astronomy, issues related to living and working in space, terrestrial applications of space technology, funding of planetary science missions, space launch, getting Canadians interested in space, and fostering opportunities for students.
Canada’s Role in the Global Governance of Space
Canada has been a strong advocate for global governance of space including the outstanding recent work by David Kendall on the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS). So it comes as no surprise that stakeholders want Canada to continue this type of role.
Here’s what the CSA heard.
Participants expressed strong support for Canada to take an active role in the development of an updated global governance framework for space, particularly in the area of SRU, through multilateral fora such as the United Nations. The importance of Canadian engagement in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) was emphasized, including support for a working group on SRU. In general, participants were supportive of the Artemis Accords and also suggested greater international engagement by Canada.
Many participants asked that Canada not only actively participate in multilateral diplomacy on space issues, but also take a leadership role. Participants often pointed to Canada’s history in space, as well as its credibility on the international stage, as reasons why Canada would be ideally placed to take an international leadership role in updating the global governance framework for space exploration and utilization.
Participants articulated the importance of the development of international rules for living and working on the Moon. Areas recommended by participants for consideration included landing sites, property rights related to SRU, registration of activities, and management of lunar orbits and debris. Many of the subjects covered in the Artemis Accords, such as heritage sites and interoperability standards, were also mentioned by participants as needing further clarification. Some participants also raised the concept of accessibility and proposed that all areas of space should be accessible for all actors, and all nations.
Updating Canada’s Regulatory Framework
Regulatory reform is critical to sustaining and growing the economic benefits of space for Canadians. So once again, the inclusion of this item comes as no surprise. The problem is the very slow pace of regulatory reform. Unfortunately, unless reforms begins to move faster other nations sensing opportunity will try to capitalize and seize market share in developing market segments.
Here’s what the CSA heard.
A large number of participants felt that Canada’s regulatory space framework was in need of updating. Areas raised by participants as those that could benefit from greater clarity included requirements with respect to SRU and extracted resources; living and working in space and space tourism; and activities on the lunar surface.
Many participants suggested that there is an urgent need to update the space regulatory framework given the rapid development of space technology and the proliferation of space actors and new activities taking place in low Earth orbit and beyond. Participants expressed the importance of having rules in place before the expected significant expansion of space activities, rather than taking a retroactive approach once activities have begun.
A number of approaches were suggested by participants with respect to regulatory modernization. Suggestions included: conducting broad consultations at the national level; assessing current rules and regulations and identifying gaps; and preparing a policy document to be presented for public commentary. A coordinated approach across government to regulating space activities was seen as essential for providing clear guidance and simplifying the process for engaging with government when seeking approval for space activities. Suggestions were also made to leverage the Space Advisory Board or to establish a commission for space activities.
There was a strong desire expressed by participants to ensure an open and transparent process to regulatory modernization that enables broad participation from all interested parties including industry, academia, non-governmental organizations, and individual stakeholders. Participants expressed the desire for regulatory modernization resulting in clear requirements and guidelines that would be easily understood for those intending to engage in space activities.
Fostering Economic Opportunities
This result is expected and just reinforces, yet again, what the community has been saying for over 10 years including in other consultation processes.
Here’s what the CSA heard.
Many participants expressed support for enabling space activities and fostering economic opportunities in order to develop a vibrant, world-leading space industry in Canada. Participants outlined challenges the industry is currently facing, as well as possible solutions.
Participants also expressed the desire to see increased public-private collaboration in the space sector. Partnerships between government and industry were viewed as important for fostering Canadian space industry. The importance of government support for the space industry was frequently mentioned in the context of the new space economy and Canada was often compared to other national governments with strong support for their domestic space industries, such as the United States and Luxembourg, in the area of SRU. Participants suggested that public space infrastructure (such as a launch site/spaceport) could help companies in the development of new technologies. The development of space infrastructure, incentives, and funding for space commercial activities were all put forward as ideas to help foster the industry.
In addition to suggestions to increase support for the space industry in Canada in order to foster economic opportunities, participants also proposed that government support the development of terrestrial applications for space technology. Multiple participants expressed the view that particular focus should be given to reinforcing/establishing Canadian areas of expertise, including robotics, AI, quantum technologies, and in-space communications. Participants also mentioned the potential for investments in small satellites (“smallsats” and “cubesats”) and radio and optical space telescopes. Interoperability and intellectual property protection were also mentioned by participants as important areas to be given consideration in the development of a framework for future space activities.
In addition to the many comments received with respect to encouraging the development and support of Canada’s space industry, several participants noted the importance of non-commercial interests in space, such as scientific discovery. These participants indicated that searching for solutions to problems that affect all of humanity, such as climate change, was a vital part of Canada’s space program. These participants cautioned against focusing too narrowly on commercial growth.
Enable Space Resource Utilization
Of all the five themes mentioned this one stands out. Not because it is new, no, but because of how much traction it is getting within the community, and because of the ongoing support of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Knowing that regulatory reform takes time, NRCan has been working with the community to set the stage for SRU such that when it becomes mainstream, Canada is positioned to be a key player.
Here’s what the CSA heard.
Many of the participants expressed support for fostering an SRU industry in Canada and offered a wide range of commentary and suggestions on how to support such an industry. Participants expressed the view that Canada’s global expertise in mining including mining technology, regulations and standards, and sustainable mining practices form a strong foundation from which to develop new applications on the lunar surface and beyond. Participants also expressed a desire for Canada to play a leadership role on the international stage related to SRU (see Canada’s Role in the Global Governance of Space above).
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)’s Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan (CMMP) was cited as a good example to follow in terms of establishing a vision and strategic goals for SRU. A participant suggested that the Government of Canada should encourage terrestrial geologists and space scientists to collaborate in the area of space resources.
Participants strongly supported the development of laws and regulations to enable Canadian companies to participate in the lunar economy. Concern was expressed by participants that the pace of technological change was outstripping the pace of regulation, and that timely action on regulatory modernization was needed. The establishment of a clear regulatory framework for SRU was seen as a key driver for the development of a vibrant SRU industry in Canada. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of multilateral international cooperation in addition to domestic guidance for industry. Suggestions ranged from negotiating new international requirements for space resources, to collaborating with other nations in order to establish international coordination and governance mechanisms. Participants proposed Canada should have an active role in the development of an international framework, and that this work should take place through UNCOPUOS and other international fora. Some participants suggested examining other international frameworks, such as the deep seabed regime, as possible models for the governance of SRU activities. Other participants pointed to domestic SRU laws passed by the United States and Luxembourg as potential models for Canada.
Participants indicated that funding for research and development in SRU activities was important to the development of the SRU industry in Canada. The CSA’s Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program (LEAP) was cited as an example of a program that could be leveraged or emulated for this purpose. Public-private partnerships (PPP) and start-up funding, superclusters, and consortiums were put forward as possible approaches to funding SRU technologies and activities.
Sustainable mining practices, as well as technology standards that would support sustainable activities, were also raised by participants as good approaches to apply to space resources. International standards, including interoperability standards, were also mentioned as important components in advancing SRU activities. Participants emphasized the importance of clarification around mineral rights and access rights, as well as clear guidance for operators in navigating regulations and obtaining authorization for SRU activities. In the context of SRU, participants also underlined the need for clear rules around space debris, liability, and standards of conduct. Participants also mentioned the issue of heritage sites in space, as was put forward in the Artemis Accords, and the need for a common international approach on this issue.
While some participants stressed the importance of clarifying ownership rights of space resources and the rules around exclusive access, other participants expressed the opinion that space resources should be distributed in a manner that ensures that nations of differing space capability have an equitable share.
The urgency of establishing rules at both the national and international level came up frequently as participants anticipated SRU activities taking place in the near future. Overall, there was a clear focus on rules that would encourage the development of a world-leading Canadian SRU industry, while providing guidance for safe, sustainable, and responsible behaviours for carrying out commercial activities.
Consider Other Issues
This theme is basically the catch-all for everything else the CSA heard. It contains few surprise, though the CSA did highlight Indigenous Perspectives first. The funniest item was the Opposition to Further Investment in Space Activities. It shows that some of these people don’t understand that Earth Observation satellites are necessary for climate change research. Unfortunately, it also shows that messaging about the usefulness of satellites to benefit humans, as in the example above, is not reaching a segment of the population.
Here’s what the CSA heard.
Indigenous Perspectives – Participants emphasized the importance of the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives and the involvement of Indigenous experts in activities related to the development of a framework for future space exploration activities. The importance of the Moon, Mars, and the night sky to Indigenous peoples was brought forward, particularly in the contexts of SRU and mega-constellations. As activities on the lunar and Mars surface increase, consultation with Indigenous communities was recommended to ensure that Indigenous voices were heard.
Peaceful Uses of Outer Space – Several participants emphasized the importance of the use of outer space for peaceful purposes, as indicated in Article IV of the Outer Space Treaty.
Global Commons – Some participants expressed the opinion that space is a “global commons”.
Living and Working In Space – Several topics related to living and working in space were raised by participants. Some participants expressed concern with respect to the mental health and well-being of astronauts who may experience feelings of isolation during long-duration space missions, and it was suggested that research into activities to boost psychological well-being should be conducted.
Some participants expressed the view that Canada should ensure that human rights are protected for all humans living and working on the Moon, Mars, or other celestial bodies. A participant mentioned the importance of diversity and inclusion when considering space matters. The opinion was expressed that an international framework was necessary to develop and protect common life-support systems (food, water, etc.) placed on the Moon, Mars, or other celestial bodies in the future.
Funding of Planetary Science Missions – A large number of comments were received as part of a coordinated campaign to express support for funding planetary science missions. This campaign called for long-term plans for Canadian planetary exploration missions and for Canada to lead its own planetary science missions in the future, in addition to participating in projects led by other nations. Other participants expressed support for the CSA’s LEAP program and a call was made to strengthen this program through increased funding and activity.
Terrestrial Applications of Space Technology – Multiple participants emphasized the importance of keeping terrestrial applications of space technology in mind so that advances in space lead to benefits for life on Earth. Health care was underlined as an important area with application potential in both domains.
Space Debris/Orbital Debris – Many participants raised concerns about the issue of orbital debris, both in Earth and lunar orbits. Participants identified space debris as a pressing issue that needed to be addressed at both the national and international level, and that required clear rules and enforcement mechanisms. Suggestions made by participants included the establishment of an international fund to clean up space debris the development of international standards, and information sharing. As with most issues raised during this consultation, participants felt strongly that international cooperation and collaboration was an essential part of resolving what was widely perceived as a global issue.
The Effect of Light and Radio Pollution on Astronomy – Several participants commented on the issue of light pollution and radio frequency interference stemming from increased activity in Earth orbit, and mega-constellations in particular. Participants also expressed concern that increased lunar activity may negatively affect any future observatories on the far side of the moon, an area seen as ideal for the placement of astronomical instruments and observatories. Participants encouraged the development of international rules to ensure that commercial activities and astronomy could both take place on the lunar surface without one interfering with the other. It was recommended that Canada develop regulatory approaches to address issues related to mega-constellations, while also engaging the international community in discussions to resolve these issues on a global scale. It was suggested that consideration should be given to the possibility of building international consensus to reserve part of the dark side of the moon for astronomical instruments.
Space Launch – Several participants took the opportunity to express their support for the establishment of space launch capabilities in Canada. Participants identified a number of issues that they felt should be addressed in order for this to take place, including identifying a flight testing location and associated rules regarding airspace restriction, ensuring a regulatory environment conducive to flight testing and launch, and conducting a study of environmental issues and impacts both on Earth and in orbit relating to launch.
Fostering Opportunities for Students – A number of participants, including both individual students and student organizations, expressed the perspective that there should be more opportunities and funding for students and young professionals in the Canadian space sector. These participants expressed concern about “brain drain” as students, lacking opportunities in Canada, moved to other countries, taking their skill, knowledge and talent with them. Internships, specialized training, scholarships, grants, mentorship and career development programs were all proposed as tools for supporting the advancement for students and young professionals in their studies and careers in the space sector. One participant felt that opportunities in the space sector were concentrated in Ontario and Quebec, and expressed a desire for space opportunities to be more evenly distributed throughout Canada.
Getting Canadians Interested in Space – Many participants raised the importance of getting people interested in and excited about Canada’s space exploration activities. Citizen engagement was frequently mentioned as an important activity, as were outreach activities to younger Canadians. Participants suggested educating the public about the use of space and space technology in their everyday lives. Likewise, participants suggested that getting schoolchildren interested in space at a young age is essential to creating the space work force of tomorrow.
Opposition to Further Investment in Space Activities – A small number of participants wrote to express their concern about the spending of public funds on space initiatives rather than pressing concerns being faced by people on Earth today. These participants expressed support for diverting funds to other issues such as a universal basic income or a national pharmacare program. These participants also emphasized the importance of taking action on climate change.
Cybersecurity and Space – The view was expressed that efforts should be made to protect space infrastructure from cybersecurity threats.