Canada’s commitment to space exploration continues to shine brightly on the global stage, as the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) announced a significant milestone at the 2024 International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan, Italy. CSA President Lisa Campbell revealed that Toronto-based Kepler Communications Inc. has been chosen as the prime contractor for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ambitious HydRON-DS mission. This project, featuring a network of 10 satellites orbiting Earth, will employ laser communications to deliver high-speed internet in space, a game-changer for government and commercial users alike.
This remarkable opportunity stems from Canada’s longstanding and fruitful partnership with ESA, which has consistently provided Canadian space sector companies with a platform to showcase their skills and expertise on the European market. Since 1979, Canada has held the distinguished position of being ESA’s sole non-European cooperating state, a testament to the strength and value of this collaboration.
President Campbell highlighted the tangible benefits this agreement offers to Canadian companies. Sherbrooke-based SBQuantum will be given the chance to assess the viability of their quantum diamond magnetometer in the harsh environment of space. ESA will thoroughly evaluate the sensor’s reliability and precision, exploring its potential use on satellites for various purposes, including the monitoring of magnetic storms and mineral mapping on the lunar surface.
Meanwhile, C-CORE, based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, will contribute to the Biomass mission by designing and building a calibration transponder. This mission will provide crucial information on the state of the world’s forests, their ongoing changes, and their crucial role in the carbon cycle. Finally, Quebec-based ABB Analytical Business Unit in Canada will deliver the Laser Unit for the interferometer of the Forum mission, ESA’s ninth Earth Explorer satellite mission. Data gleaned from this mission will help researchers understand the impact of the far-infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum on our planet’s climate.
The significance of these collaborations was emphasized by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry: “Canada’s continued participation in European Space Agency programs will further position our space sector for significant growth, generating highly skilled employment, and providing essential opportunities to access European markets. This collaboration allows us to engage in international space missions, while ensuring Canada’s space industry remains innovative, vibrant, and competitive in the fast-evolving global landscape.”
Lisa Campbell, President of the CSA, echoed these sentiments, adding: “For 45 years now, Canada’s collaboration with ESA has resulted in opportunities to participate in European space program projects that would otherwise be out of reach. For Canadian companies, having this unique access to the European space market means commercialization prospects and concrete sales, job creation and knowledge-sharing, and international partnership opportunities. We look forward to continuing this partnership to further strengthen the synergies between our industrial, academic and government sectors as we advance space science and technology together.”
Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General, expressed the agency’s enthusiasm for the HydRON project: “ESA is proud of the HydRON project, which exemplifies the power of European and Canadian collaboration in advancing space technology. With its laser satellite network for lightning-fast Internet communications, HydRON has the potential to transform how we connect globally, bridging digital divides and enabling secure communications on Earth and beyond.”
This announcement serves as a resounding testament to the strength of the Canada-ESA partnership and its role in fostering innovation and growth in the global space sector. With Canadian companies playing increasingly vital roles in international space missions, the future looks bright for Canada’s space industry, poised to continue making significant contributions to the advancement of space science and technology.