The Canadian Space Agency is Requesting Information for a new Space Station Life Science Research System

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in interested in broadening Canada’s contribution to the International Space Station by potentially building a new Life Science Research System capability.


The Request for Information (RFI) was issued yesterday and interested parties have until January 20th to submit their interest.
According to the RFI “this new capability, the Life Science Research System (LSRS), consists of a research platform composed of diagnostic technologies that will be deployed on the International Space Station to support the identification, characterization and mitigation of risks to humans in space. The LSRS supports Canada’s continued commitment to the ISS and contributes to the enhancement of Canada’s return on ISS investment.”
The CSA is interested in developing two specific instruments:
– Bio-monitoring : instrument which can perform real-time and on-orbit monitoring of crewmember’s physiological parameters.
– Bio-analysis : instrument which can perform real-time and on-orbit analysis of biological samples (molecules and cells) collected and prepared on board the ISS.
Should the program go forward two firm fixed price contracts will be awarded, one for each instrument.
The CSA envisions four phases, each competitively bid, though Phase D is optional. The CSA has however stipulated that bidders must have “significant experience in developing space qualified instruments” which will limit the number of applicants.

About Marc Boucher

Boucher is an entrepreneur, writer, editor & publisher. He is the founder of SpaceQ Media Inc. and CEO and co-founder of SpaceRef Interactive LLC. Boucher has 20+ years working in various roles in the space industry and a total of 30 years as a technology entrepreneur including creating Maple Square, Canada's first internet directory and search engine.

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