ARCHIVED - Canadian Space Agency

Expected Result

Delivery, directly or in partnership, of Space Based EO data, products and services in response to operational and scientific user requirements in the field of Environment, Resource and Land Use Management, Security and Foreign Policy, supported by access capacity development.

Alaska Satellite Facilities (ASF) have processed a total of 55,815 frames. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Ice Center (NIC) are the ASF's largest clients.

Performance Analysis

Indicator 1

RADARSAT data can be ordered through 4 different order desks. A total of 6,755 frames were processed at the Canadian government order desk located at CSA and the Canadian Ice Services located at Environment Canada.

The number of 10 departments does not take into account branches and divisions that are part of these departments (i.e. Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS), Canadian Forest Services (CFS), Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) are three branches of Natural Resources Canada). The largest government user of RADARSAT data is still the Canadian Ice Service of Environment Canada for ice monitoring activities. Environment Canada (EC), the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), Transport Canada (TC), Department of National Defence (DND) and Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) are coordinating their efforts to implement ISTOP (Integrated Satellite Tracking of Polluters). By doing so, they have been more effective and have reduced their cost by sharing RADARSAT data acquired to monitor the targeted area. ISTOP became fully operational in 2006-2007. RADARSAT data are also used successfully for applications related to crop monitoring, ship detection, wetland mapping, ocean windfield mapping, oil spill, soil subsidence and soil movement monitoring, disaster monitoring and, especially, flood monitoring.

The Alaska Satellite Facilities (ASF), handling data requests from the U.S. Governments as part of the U.S. allocation of the RADARSAT Mission, processing a total of 55,815 frames during the 2006-2007 period. The main areas of application for the frames processed by ASF are for sea ice monitoring, 40%, wind speed determination, 10%, geological hazards, 25% and scientific research, 25%.

MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) Geospatial Services Inc. (GSI) is responsible for the commercial sale of RADARSAT data. A total of 30,970 frames were sold by MDA for telemetry and commercial use through 5,283 orders in 2006-2007. Europe is the largest market, accounting for 41%, followed by Canada with 31 % and the U.S. with 12%. The Far East follows closely with 10%. Ship detection is the main application accounting for 32% of the frames, followed closely by applications related to the environment at 29%. Cartography at 10%, ice monitoring 9%, defence applications at 7%, and oil pollution at 5% are second in importance. These numbers do not include the frames ordered by Canadian government departments and agencies or processed at the Alaska Satellite facilities for the U.S. government.

Missions

Status

Fields

Indicator 3

An increasing number of departments are using RADARSAT data. The largest users are still the Canadian Ice Center of Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Fisheries and Oceans, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, National Defence and the Canadian Space Agency. It is worth noting that 4 other departments were repeat users of RADARSAT data during the 2006-2007 period - Parks Canada, the National Research Council, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada. Last year, a total of 5,703 processed image frames were provided to federal departments and agencies. This year, a total of 6,755 processed image frames were provided for them.

It has been impossible to establish an operational budget baseline for federal government departments and agencies as a whole. However, discussions are currently taking place among the government departments and agencies under the leadership of PWGSC, to consolidate the purchase of EO data for the government departments as a whole. If negotiations are successful, information on all EO data purchases, not just RADARSAT data, by Canadian government departments will be provided starting in 2008-2009.

Indicator 4

Data on the number of hits on the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) related to CSA sponsored scientific and operational missions were not provided on time because of major changes to the GeoConnections Web last year and informatics' deficiencies. During the coming year, CSA will work with CGDI to review and develop a more reliable, accurate and measurable indicator. In the meantime, GeoConnections has been able to provide us with some monthly statistics from their Discovery Portal, which connects databases with CSA supported missions.

Program Activity: Space Science and Exploration (SE)

Missions

Status

Fields

Performance Analysis

Indicator 2

For the purpose of this indicator, a mission is considered partly or totally successful when the status reads as: objective met, in operation, completed or launched. Analysis of the last three fiscal year, starting April 1, 2004 and ending on March 31, 2007, shows an overall mission success rate of 27% (9 out of 33) when all initiated missions are taken into account. Last year, this same method of calculation would have shown a mission success rate of 12% (3 out of 24). It is important to note however that all successful missions have met or are in the process of meeting their mission objectives.

Indicator 3

This year, 711 peer-reviewed papers, featuring Canadian academia and/or R&D community, were published in Space Astronomy and Exploration, Solar-Terrestrial Relation, and Physical and Life Sciences. A breakdown of the information by field: Space Astronomy (393), Planetary Exploration (17), Solar-Terrestrial Relation (161), Physical Sciences (57) and Life Sciences (83). The 2005-2006 DPR indicated 83 papers. The actual total should have read 482 papers. The difference is due to improved publication monitoring.

Program Activity: Satellite Communications (SC)

Demonstration and trial campaign for the provision of government service to northern and remote communities is progressing well and is expected to be completed in March 2008.

The demonstration and trial campaign for the provision of government services to northern and remote communities using Government of Canada Capacity Credit are progressing well and are expected to be completed in March 2008.

Performance Analysis

Indicator 1

In 2007-2008, the CSA will undertake studies on communications satellite service needs and opportunities, from which baseline data will be drawn to measure the gap between current capabilities and future needs of Canada.

Indicator 2

The CSA has deployed hubs in Vancouver and Winnipeg to demonstrate Ka-band applications and services using Anik F2's four northern beams. In conjunction with the existing infrastructure, nine Ka-band terminals were obtained to demonstrate institutional services and applications in the Canadian North. This ongoing trial campaign, scheduled to be completed by March 2008, will yield a comprehensive assessment of Ka-band performance in the four northern beams. Initiatives to upgrade the reliability and quality of service of the existing proof-of-concept services are expected to be undertaken in 2007-2008.

Indicator 3

The number of modems installed to date is about 32,000 with a growing rate of 50-70 terminals per day. Based on Telesat's 4 tiers of service, this number translates into about 52,000 customer subscribers (also referred as basis service equivalents). The baseline performance of 52,000 subscribers for Anik F2 represents a commercial take-up rate higher than originally anticipated (the original take-up rate was estimated at 3,000 new basic service equivalents per month, which for the 11-month of service (May 2005 - March 2006) would equate to 33,000 basic service equivalents). Note that the maximum of 150,000 basic service equivalents available for Government use equates to a total of approximately 100 Mbps access for 11 years (ending in April 2015). Additional performance information on Anik F2 commercial take-up, such as number of communities served and type of applications and services used will be available once the operating upgrade by National Satellite Initiative (NSI) is up and running.

Through its support of Anik F2, the Government of Canada has secured a Government Capacity Credit access worth $50 million over 11 years starting in May 2005. Industry Canada has transferred this Capacity Credit to the National Satellite Initiative (NSI) to support the Government's connectivity agenda for remote and underserved northern rural communities. So far, the Government of Canada Capacity Credit (GoC CC) access for Anik F2 has only been used for validation testing and concept demonstration purposes, resulting in a low rate of utilization since May 2005. The CSA is investigating implementation solutions to meet these requirements in 2007-2008.

Expected Result 2

Better use of space communications, search and rescue, and global navigation satellite systems and applications to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of other government departments in delivering services to Canadians.

Program Activity: Generic Space Activities in Support of EO, SE AND SC (GSA)

Performance Analysis

Indicator 1

Harmonized performance measurement indicators for 2 Space Technology Programs - the Space Technology Research Program (STRP) and the Space Technology Development Program (STDP) - demonstrated that 1 technology was chosen out of 11 STRP projects for future space missions and that 3 technologies were chosen out of 20 STDP projects completed in 2006-2007 for future space missions; 3 technologies were integrated into commercial products for an impressive total of 23 % of new technology used.

Indicator 2

In addition to the 6 space missions, the David Florida Laboratory also supported 3 technology development projects - the International Space Station (ISS), CANDARM-1 and the Microsat
Bus - and 5 commercial projects.

Indicator 3

Harmonized performance measurement indicators for 2 Space Technology Programs - Space Technology Research Program (STRP) and Space Technology Development Program
(STDP) - demonstrated that the scientific research community does not use publications to share early findings with its peers in order to protect industrial secrecy and know-how.

Program Activity: Space Awareness and Learning (AL)

Results indicate that 46% of respondents are aware of the Canadian Space Agency as champion of space activities and that 19% of respondents have moderate knowledge of Canada's space activities. Next survey to be conducted in 2008-2009.

Performance Analysis

The survey was conducted with the general public to assess awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward Canada's space program and related activities. The survey was administered by phone to 1,628 Canadian adult residents, on February 4 to 11, 2005. Based on a sample of this size, the overall results can be considered to be accurate within +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

Several results contribute to determining levels of awareness. Other then the two results cited above, the following could also be considered:

• 47% identified Earth-related benefits that flow from Canada's space program;
• 67% cited images when thinking about Canada's involvement in space;
• 71% believed Canadians are proud of our activities in space, and that Canadian success in advanced space technologies contributes to our knowledge-based economy, innovation, and economic competitiveness; and,
• 65% felt that our space activities inspire youth in science and engineering.

Some 80% of Canadians surveyed think it is important for Canada to continue to have a space program and be active in the development of advanced technologies and science related to space.

Respondents were asked to rate the importance of a number of benefits that result from investment in the Canadian Space Program. A strong majority viewed all potential benefits as important. Some 90% felt that monitoring the Earth for natural disasters is an important benefit, followed closely by monitoring our oceans, forests, wetlands and farmlands (88%), and new medical discoveries (87%). As well, significant numbers attributed importance to better telecommunications (83%) and leadership in robotics (81%). Benefits that also received strong responses included advancing humankind's knowledge (74%), enhancing Canada's international reputation (71%), and exploring the solar system (67%).

Program Activity: Corporate Services and Infrastructure

Strong = 1
Acceptable = 10
Opportunity for improvement = 6
Attention required = 1

Compared to 2005, 7 indicator ratings (39%) have improved and 3 (17%) have declined.

Performance Analysis

Among the 18 criteria used in the assessment, the CSA showed a strong performance in Project Management and steady progress in Corporate Risk Management, with a rating rising from "opportunity for improvement" last year to "acceptable" in 2006. The CSA had varied results in the 3 areas identified as management priorities in the 2005:

Integration of human resources and business planning: A Draft Integrated Corporate HR Plan 2007-2010 was developed and will be approved in June 2007.

Development of a long-term investment plan: A Draft Integrated Long-term Investment Plan was developed and will be submitted for approval in 2007-2008.

Project management: The CSA demonstrated that it has implemented a sound project management capacity compliant with the Treasury Board project approval policy suite, which includes a project management governance structure and a risk management framework.

The Treasury Board has identified 3 management priorities for 2007:

Asset Management: The CSA must complete the Long Term Capital Plan.

Internal Audit Function: Although some key elements are in place, the CSA must develop and put in place an implementation plan for the new Policy on Internal Audit. The indicator rating is "Attention required".

Financial Management and Control: Although the CSA usually exhibits good performance, compliance with government policies should be monitored, specifically in the overall quality and timeliness of its external financial reporting information.

The Treasury Board assessment does not indicate management quality beyond MAF indicators.

Expected Result 2

Key corporate risks are addressed and mitigated.

Performance Analysis

1. All actions planned in the RPP 2006-2007 were completed in response to 2 of the 4 highest corporate priority risks, namely:

Workforce Competencies: Increase the capacity of CSA to maintain a qualified workforce of public servants to deliver CSA's mandate within the government's legislative frameworks, policies and rules.

As a result, 97% of managers had successfully completed the mandatory on-line assessment related to financial and human resources delegated authorities by December 31, 2006.

Function/Process Integration: Increase the capacity of CSA to align its strategies, planning priorities, funding levels, operations and capacity to deliver and obtain clear understanding and buy-in from managers and staff at all levels.

As a result, the new strategic outcome with a set of performance indicators will first appear in the 2008-2009 Report on Plans and Priorities; the CSA put in place a corporate information management system in response to Management of Resources and Results Structure policy requirements effective since April 1^st, 2007; and drafted a Human Resources Strategic Plan to be submitted for approval by June 2007.

2. Some of the actions planned in the RPP 2006-2007 were completed in response to a third one, namely:

Values and Ethics: Increase the capacity of the CSA to instil public service values, to develop a working environment free of harassment and promote respect for individuals, integrity and honesty.

Since a new President had not been appointed, the CSA was not able to finalise and approve the governance structure and delegation of authority in order to improve its compliance with the Public Service values of respect, integrity, honesty and transparency. The revised governance structure will address the way other government departments and universities are to be approached. In the meantime, the current structure is in force.

3. No action planned in the RPP 2006-2007 was completed in response to the last corporate priority risk, namely:

Stakeholder Support: Increase the capacity of CSA to involve other government departments and universities in teaming up and creating a synergy in developing and implementing space activities for the benefit of Canadians.

The CSA was not able to put the engagement strategy with stakeholders in place as planned, or increase the frequency of advisory committee meetings.

Source: CSA's Corporate Risk Profile (internal document).

2006-2007 - Financial Resources ($ in millions)

2006-2007 - Human Resources (FTEs)