The Next Breakthrough Space Technologies for Canada
Join us for our annual general meeting on Friday, March 18 at the MaRS Discovery District.
Background
There are a lot of robots aboard the International Space Station (ISS) these days and Canada plays a key role in having provided the Mobile Servicing System with its primary component the iconic Canadarm2, the second generation robotic arm which followed up the highly successful Canadarm used on the space shuttles.
The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has JEM RMS and the Small Fine Arm (SFA) while the European Space Agency (ESA) makes do with the European Robotic Arm (ERA) and the Russian’s use Strela, a manually operated robotic device. Even General Motors has Robonaut II built in collaboration with NASA which will shortly be onboard.
Given the above, does Canada still enjoy that historic lead in robotics we once used as leverage for Canadian astronaut trips aboard 13 NASA and two Soyuz manned missions over the last two decades?
Perhaps it’s time to assess the evolving landscape. What opportunities are there for Canadian businesses looking to leverage technical expertise on the world stage? What are the next “breakthrough” technologies that will allow us continue to “punch above our weight” in the international arena? Should we be looking at Martian rovers, or electrical propulsion technology or a next generation Canadarm (perhaps optimized for on-orbit servicing) or new devices for measurement and detection?
Or is there something else on the horizon?
Technology Topics
Our one day event will feature 10 speakers focusing on a variety of emerging space technologies and existing programs. Topics top be addressed will include:
- Robotic technologies including on-orbit servicing
- The Canadian Space Agencies Space Technologies Development Program
- Small Business Innovation Research program for Canada
- Satellite platforms including nanosats, smallsats and launch systems
- Disruptive technologies
- Intellectual property
- Vertical systems integration to maximize efficiency and keep costs low
- And much more