SpaceQ Space news and analysis.
See how the European Space Agency’s ATV-2 nicknamed the Johannes Kepler was made. From pieces and parts to mighty spacecraft sitting atop of Ariane 5 launcher. The Johannes Kepler will carry approximately 6.6 tonnes of cargo to the International Space Station on a resupply mission. ESA’s ATV’s are sent on resupply missions approximately every 17 months.
Read More »Neptec First Non-U.S. Company to Win NASA George M. Low Award
The Neptec Design Group based in Ottawa was one of four recipients of the prestigious annual George M. Low Award presented by NASA and the first non-U.S. company to win the award.
Read More »Photo: Canadian Space Agency Dextre Gets to Work
Dextre, the Canadian Space Agency’s robotic “handyman”, is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 26 crew member aboard the International Space Station on Feb. 3, 2011.
Read More »Canadian Robot Dextre Gets to Work
Canada’s Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator or Dextre for Short having past its final exams in December is now officially on the job. It was 11 days ago that the Japanese H-2B Transfer Vehicle (HTV2) or as it is known as, Kounotori2, docked with the International Space Station with the help of another Canadian robot, Canadarm2.
Read More »MSCI Making Pitch for Telecom Financing
The recent announcement by Microsat Systems Canada (MSCI) CEO David Cooper that his company is “launching a new initiative” to build a constellation of 78 small, relatively low-flying satellites designed to relieve internet and smart phone congestion and provide broadband access in rural locations, highlights the differences between small space focused Canadian firms and their larger commercial satellite and internet service provider cousins.
Read More »MDA Puts Robotic Expertise to Good use for Orbital's Cygnus Spacecraft
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) is taking advantage of their expertise in robotics as they recently signed a multi-million dollar contract amendement with Orbital Sciences Corporation to provide capture and mating solutions for Orbital’s autonomous Cygnus commercial resupply service spacecraft.
Read More »Canadian Built Dextre Passes Final Exam on the International Space Station
After several delays Canada’s robotic handyman named Dextre aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has passed its final exam and is now ready for full duties. Dextre, short for Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator, was designed and built by MacDonald Dettwiler (MDA) for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Dextre along with Canadarm-2 on the ISS are known as the Mobile Servicing System (MSS).
Read More »Engineering Services Inc. Receives $3 Million Contract for Prototype Robotic Arms
The Canadian Space Agency today awarded Engineering Services Inc. (ESI) of Toronto a $3 million contract to develop prototype robotic arms, control stations and exploration tools that will be integrated into prototype lunar or martian rovers. The contract also includes an option for second arm worth $500,000.
Read More »An Overview of the Canadian Space Agency Exploration Core Program
At the recent 61st International Astronautical Congress in Prague, Jean-Claude Piedboeuf, Head of Exploration Planning at the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), provided an overview of Canada’s preparatory exploration activities. While Canada has been involved in exploration activities for 25 years with its contributions in robotics, science and astronaut core, it wasn’t until 2007 that the CSA created the Exploration Core Program to unify the activities …
Read More »Canadian Space Summit November 19-21
The Canadian Space Society announced the Call for Papers for the upcoming Canadian Space Summit. The summit is an annual conference that brings together all elements of the Canadian space industry. The annual meeting is being held between November 19th through the 21st at the Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa. In addition to displays, booths, and activities, the centerpiece of the Summit are two days …
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