SpaceQ Space news and analysis.
In this weeks Short Cuts we talk about the emerging satellite servicing business at MDA, they hope, Planet Labs sees growth opportunities in Canada and has 88 satellites launched, the Canadian Space Agency awards drone contracts fro earth observation and more.
If you would like to submit a Short Cut, please email us at [email protected].
Note: SpaceQ is now accepting Op-Ed’s from academia, industry and those professionally involved in the space sector. If you’re interested in submitting an Op-Ed use this form or by email to [email protected].
Op-Ed’s typically run from 400 to 1,200 words, but submissions of any length will be considered. All submissions must be original, and exclusive to SpaceQ. We will not consider articles that have already been published, in any form, in print or online.
SpaceQ Supports SEDS Canada Ascension 2017 Conference
SpaceQ is the official media sponsor of the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) Canada Ascension 2017 conference taking place March 3-5, 2017 in Toronto.
Ascension 2017 is Canada’s national space conference for students. The theme this year is Paving The Way Beyond Earth.
SpaceQ encourages participation in this event by students, industry and government. They are our future Canadian space explorers and innovators.
The SEDS Canada team has assembled a great lineup of speakers and events.
MDA’s Efforts to Starts a new Satellite Servicing Business Segment Get a Boost and a Potential Roadblock
After securing contracts for both LEO and GEO satellite servicing technology demonstrations with NASA and DARPA, Orbital ATK sues DARPA over the GEO contract to MDA’s SSL subsidiary.
Related: MDA’s SSL to Work with DARPA on Satellite Servicing Capability for Spacecraft in Geostationary Orbit
Upcoming: MDA’s Fourth Quarter and Year End 2016 Results Conference Call Alert
Planet Labs Sees Growth in Canada and Launches 88 Satellites
SpaceQ had a conversation with Mike Safyan, Director of Launch and Regulatory Affairs and Rachel Holm, Communications at Planet Labs, about their ongoing efforts in Canada. They’ve had some success but regulatory issues are holding up their effort to bring their new Canadian ground station online.
Subsequent to the interview, Planet Labs was one of the customers who was part of the successful 104 satellite launch yesterday on the Indian PSLV-C37 mission.
Exploring the Benefits of Using Satellites and Drones Together
Last week the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) posted to their website an update to their Earth Observation Application Development Program. In it they said “with the rise and popularization of this technology, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is interested in exploring the complementary use of drones and satellites to enhance EO applications and provide more comprehensive solutions to end-users. Through its Earth Observation Application Development Program (EOADP), the CSA is funding the following seven concept studies. Each project, which benefits from a maximum funding of $100,000, is proposing an innovative EO solution that incorporates the use of drones.”
The seven projects selected come from some established institutions including; effigis, TRE ALTAMIRA, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, C-CORE, ASL Environmental Sciences and newcomers AG UAV and H20 Geomatics.
The manner in which the news of these awards was disseminated is troubling.
SpaceQ contacted the CSA in response to discovering the web page in question the day after it was published. There had been no press release about the awards, though the Public Works and Government Services Canada Buy and Sell website had posted the tender award on February 8th. You might think, what’s the big deal? It was listed on the tender site and the day after it published there, the CSA created a web page for the update. They did, to their credit, Tweet and put a post on their Facebook page.
However, while social media is very useful, it is but one avenue of communication. At the level of the CSA, one of their primary tools they should be using is press releases, especially for an award of $700,000 to seven companies who are using new technology and techniques to innovate.
In a news cycle where you have to fight to get noticed, it seems counterintuitive not to publicize your news using all the tools you can. Press releases still have their place in the communication tool set, and as a media company, I can say it’s at the top of the list.
Space Apps Challenges in Ottawa, Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo
The NASA Space Apps Challenge will be back in Kitchener-Waterloo and Toronto this year and Ottawa has joined as well. This is a great event, but it sure would be nice if the Canadian Space Agency would do something similar or partner with NASA.
- Space Apps Kitchener-Waterloo (website not online yet)
- Space Apps Ottawa
- Space Apps Toronto
- NASA Space Apps Challenge
New Links to Industry and Innovation Realized as U of L Joins Composites Research Network
Academic research, innovation, student opportunity and industry connection received a huge boost recently as the University of Lethbridge formally joined the Composites Research Network (CRN).
Canada’s leading network for composites research and the major link between academia and major composites industry partners, the CRN acts to bridge the divide between academic activity and industrial need.
“This is a major step forward for the University, putting our research into the hands of industry partners and creating multiple new opportunities for researchers and students alike,” says Dr. David Naylor, Board of Governors’ Research Chair in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and head of the Astronomical Instrumentation Group (AIG). “Being a part of this network will connect us to industry heavyweights like Boeing and Convergent Manufacturing Technologies.”
Associate Director of SNOLAB Passes Away
Fraser Duncan, the associate director of the world-class research centre SNOLAB, died over the weekend, the organization announced Tuesday.
“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that SNOLAB passes on the news that Fraser Duncan, our Associate Director and dear friend, passed away peacefully over the weekend,” SNOLAB said in a news release. “Fraser passed away in Sudbury with his brother in attendance. Our thoughts are with his family and all his friends.”
Upcoming Events
- SEDS Ascension 2017 – Canada’s National Space Conference For Students, March 3-5, Toronto
- NASA Space Apps Challenge – April 29-30, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ottawa and Toronto
- Earth Observation Summit 2017, June 20-22, Montreal
- 2017 CARIC National Research Forum , August 8-9, Vancouver
- Canadian SmallSat Symposium, October 17-19, Toronto
