Readers familiar with our ongoing Canadian Space Agency Watch series know that space policy is an issue we tend to focus on. In particular the long anticipated but elusive Long-Term Space Plan (LTSP) the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has been working in since the fall of 2008. So it came as a bit of a surprise when we found out that not only had the …
Read More »Space Agency Heads Discuss Extending Space Station Lifespan to 2028
Today in Tokyo the leaders of the space agencies from Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia and the United States met to discuss the future of the International Space Station (ISS). The space station is nearing completion and the group noted there are no technical constraints to continue operations beyond 2015 to 2020 and possibly 2028. Extending the lifespan of the station to 2028 is a matter …
Read More »Shrinking Budget and No Space Plan puts the Canadian Space Agency in a Bind
On March 4th the federal government will release what is expected to be a frugal budget. This is in part is due to lower tax revenues. The December 2009 deficit was $3.1 billion with revenues down $19.4-billion and program expenses up $22 billion. With revenues down and the deficit climbing the government has signaled that there will be few new spending initiatives and that some …
Read More »Ottawa Citizen – Right Message – Wrong on Facts in Article on Canadian Space Agency
The Ottawa Citizen article “Rocket Science” which appeared in yesterday’s paper was over simplified and got even some of the basic facts wrong. I do however agree with the message of the article that the Government, and in particular Minister of Industry Tony Clement, needs to be proactive and release a new Long Term Space Plan for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
Read More »Canadian Space Agency Releases Report from the 6th Canadian Space Exploration Workshop
In December 2008 members of the Canadian space community gathered in Montreal for the 6th Canadian Space Exploration Workshop (CSEW6) sponsored and hosted by the Canadian Space Agency. The report, dated May 30, 2009, was released to the public today.
Read More »Canadian Space Agency Supports Prize Competitions
Earlier this fall John Chapman of White Rock, BC, a semi-retired mining expert who is also a strong proponent of commercializing space wrote to Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Steve MacLean about the creation of prizes to accelerate space related technology. Last week he received a positive response.
Read More »Developing a Solid Science Policy: Keynote Presentation at the Canadian Science Policy Conference
Here is the full transcript of the of keynote address, presented by the Minister of State (Science and Technology) Gary Goodyear to delegates at the inaugural Canadian Science Policy Conference being held October 28th – 30th in Toronto.
Read More »Canadian Space Agency and NASA Sign Agreement
Former astronauts Steve MacLean of the Canadian Space Agency and Charles Bolden of NASA, heads of their respective space agencies, signed a Framework Agreement in Washington today.
Read More »NASA's Second Chance
Charlie Bolden is no stranger to space exploration but he is a newbie in the Administrator’s suite and the strange ecology of Washington, DC interactions that the job entails. His first three days on the job have been abnormal with all the Apollo hoopla swirling through everyone’s heads. Most of the time it is going to be far less glamorous.
Read More »Canadian Space Agency President Marc Garneau Pushes Mars Agenda
If former astronaut Marc Garneau has his way, Canada will soon become an important partner in several upcoming Mars missions. Garneau would also like to see Canada become a leader in several new space technology fields as well. Next Friday, Garneau, who is now President of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), will define this vision to an audience at the University of Toronto. He will …
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