Canadian Space Agency President Lisa Campbell was interviewed one-on-one on the opening day of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) and touched on many themes including defence investments and dual-use space technology.
This Heads of Space Agencies plenary had a change in format. As there are an increasing number of countries with notable space programs, the usual format of a panel Q&A with each leader given the opportunity to answer the same question was instead changed to one-on-one conversations.
These sessions had two moderators and for Lisa Campbell’s it was Enrico Palermo, head of the Australian Space Agency.
During the approximate 12 minute conversation Campbell touched on several themes she routinely discusses including international partnerships, Earth observation, space robotics and the space economy.
Campbell also took the opportunity on a global stage to make two funding announcements, both expected this fall.
The first announcement concerned the Space Technologies Development Program (STPD) and the AO9 opportunity issued in January of this year. Campbell announced $13M in funding going to 19 projects from 17 companies. In making the announcement Campbell emphasized that “most of which have dual purpose applications.”
Although the CSA regularly issues opportunities that are dual purpose, they most often focus on the civil side. Technology for space but usufull on Earth. Telemedicine is an example.
However, this announcement was different. In June, Canada announced a new defense industrial strategy which Campbell referenced.
“Our government has committed to spending $9 billion by this spring, and then probably more to come. Following that with these investments and the priorities that the government has shared, you need an industrial base that grows to support those investments, and thankfully, space is an incredibly resilient sector, as all of you know.”
She then went on to day, “So we view the Canadian Space Agency a civil agency. We can play a key role in these efforts. Most space technologies, up to a certain level of technology readiness or dual use. By their very nature, they can do both things, and it’s essential. So we think it’s a strategic advantage, and it supports our efforts for national sovereignty and security.”
She then made the STDP announcement. What’s new with this announcement is that the narrative of dual purpose is now emphasizing the defence side.
There was however one catch with the STDP announcement, the actual press release announcing the selected companies and projects was not released until two days later. A small snafu as journalists searched for the details. Campbell made the announcement on Monday, Sept. 30 and with the Tuesday being National Day for Truth and Reconciliation meant that this news releases was on hold as it was a holiday.
The other announcement was the allocation of $5M for the smartEarth initiative in which 20 organizations each received $250K for their biodiversity projects.
Throughout the IAC, the CSA met other space agencies including NASA, Europe, Japan, Australia and others. Details of which were not released.
The CSA did say in respect to the U.S. that, “Canada and the United States have shared a deep and enduring partnership in space for over 60 years. From the Space Shuttle era and the International Space Station to today’s Artemis missions and the Lunar Gateway, to efforts to reach the Moon and Mars, the CSA and NASA have worked hand-in-hand on some of the most iconic missions in history. Discussions at IAC reinforced our shared priorities, collaboration and vision.”
They also emphasized that for “nearly 50 years, the Canada–European Space Agency (ESA) Cooperation Agreement has brought Canadian innovation to the global stage. We had a productive meeting with the European leaders to discuss the upcoming ESA Ministerial Council meeting. Earlier this year, we signed a joint statement reaffirming the strength and success of the Canada–ESA partnership.”
The other nation which received additional attention was Japan. The CSA said that “Building on our long-standing partnership and recent visit to Japan, IAC provided a valuable opportunity to continue strengthening our partnership with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Discussions focused on advancing important work on Earth observation and space exploration, and on fostering stronger ties between the Canadian and Japanese space industries.”
No new agreements were announced.