Delegation from Canada - On 22 and 23 November 2022, ESA Member States, Associate States and Cooperating States observers gathered in Paris
Delegation from Canada - On 22 and 23 November 2022, ESA Member States, Associate States and Cooperating States observers gathered in Paris. Image credit: ESA - P. Sebirot.

SpaceQ has been provided new information that outlines what areas, and many specific programs, that Canada will contribute to as part of its €35.1M (~$60M) participation with the European Space Agency (ESA).

As one of five Cooperating States, a Canadian delegation led by the Canadian Space Agency attended the two day ESA Council Meeting at Ministerial level on November 22-23, 2022 in Paris. The meeting discussed strategic direction and financial contributions. ESA’s budget was set at €16.9B ($25.29B) “for basic activities, scientific program and optional programs.”

For its part, Canada confirmed at the ESA Council Meeting new subscriptions totalling €35.1M (~$60M) outlined below.

Canada has been a long standing partner and contributor to ESA and this facilitates Canadian organizations participating in ESA programs. Canada renewed its cooperation agreement with ESA in 2019 for an additional 10 years.

Portrait of the Ministers and agency representatives. Image credit: ESA - S. Corvaja.
Portrait of the Ministers and agency representatives. Image credit: ESA – S. Corvaja.

Canada’s new subscriptions (contributions) include: (All Canadian dollars amount are rounded and using today’s exchange rate)

Earth Observation – €12.8M ($19.2M)

GSTP (Technologies) – €1.8M ($2.7M)

  • Make €1.5M ($2.25M)
  • Fly €0.3M ($0.45M)

Human and Robotic Exploration – €3.0M ($4.5M)

  • Terra Novae (European Exploration Envelope Programme) Period 3 €3.0M ($4.5M)

Navigation – €1.2M ($1.8M)

  • NAVISP Phase 3, Element 2 €1.2M ($1.8M)

Space Safety Programme – €3.1M ($4.65M)

Note: Participation in the Space Safety Programme requires the signature of an arrangement between ESA and Canada, which is planned for spring 2023. This is required before Canadian entities may bid on ESA Invitation to Tenders related to this specific program.

  • ADRIOS €1.5M ($2.25M)
  • COSMIC €1.6M ($2.4M)

Telecommunications – €13.2M ($19.79M)

ARTES 4.0

  • Future Preparation €0.2M ($0.3M)
  • Core Competitiveness €5.9M ($8.84M)
  • Partnership Projects €1.4M ($2.10M)
  • Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity €1.5M ($2.25M)
  • Space Systems for Safety and Security (4S) €0.7M ($1.05M)
  • Optical and Quantum Communication – ScyLight €3.5M ($5.25M)

Marc Boucher is an entrepreneur, writer, editor, podcaster and publisher. He is the founder of SpaceQ Media. Marc has 30+ years working in various roles in media, space sector not-for-profits, and internet content development.

Marc started his first Internet creator content business in 1992 and hasn't looked back. When not working Marc loves to explore Canada, the world and document nature through his photography.

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