History Archives

Canada's Communications Technology Satellite (CTS), known as Hermes, was launched 50 years ago on January 17, 1976.

Before the Canadarm, there was Hermes: Canada’s 50-year space legacy

by Marc Boucher January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Tomorrow is the 50 the anniversary of the launch of a groundbreaking and Emmy award winning Canadian communications satellite, the Communications Technology Satellite (CTS), known as Hermes.

Canadian astronauts Joshua Kutryk (left) and Jeremy Hansen (right) seize the opportunity to fly together before the start of astronaut training. Prior to joining the Canadian Space Program, they were both pilots with the Canadian Armed Forces. In this picture, they are standing in front of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 2017 Canada 150 CF-18 Demonstration Hornet

History

RCAF 100th Anniversary Highlights Include Two Canadian Astronaut Missions in 2025

by Elizabeth Howell February 12, 2024February 11, 2024

Dr. John Chapman (L) and Dr. LeRoy Nelms (R) toast the success of the Alouette satellite

History

Data from Canada’s First Satellite Alouette-1 Restored and Released

by Marc Boucher October 2, 2023October 2, 2023

News

Terranauts – That’s a Wrap on Season 4

by Iain Christie July 13, 2023July 13, 2023

This mosaic depicts the International Space Station pictured from the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour during a fly around of the orbiting lab that took place following its undocking from the Harmony module’s space-facing port on Nov. 8, 2021

History

Terranauts Episode 75

by Marc Boucher June 29, 2023June 29, 2023

News

Hanging By A Thread – Saving the Canadian Space Program

by Iain Christie June 15, 2023June 15, 2023

Astronauts Elliot See and Charles Bassett II

History

The First Loss – NASA’s Astronauts Early Tragedy

by Iain Christie June 1, 2023June 1, 2023

Astronauts David R. Scott (left), pilot; and, Neil A. Armstrong (right), command pilot, pose with model of the Gemini spacecraft after being selected as the crew for the Gemini 8 mission.

News

After Eight – The Importance of Test Pilots

by Iain Christie May 18, 2023May 18, 2023

News

Gemini – The Spin Cycle

by Iain Christie May 4, 2023May 9, 2023

News

Terranauts – Getting Ready For Gemini VIII

by Marc Boucher April 20, 2023April 20, 2023