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3.3.6) Details on Transfer Payments Programs (TPPs)


Contribution to European Space Agency (ESA)

Start Date: January 1, 2000 End Date: December 31, 2009

Description:

Enhance Canadian industry's technological base and provide access to European markets for value added products and services in the field of Earth Observation (EO) and Telecommunications, allow the participation of Canadian academia and make possible the demonstration of Canadian space technologies in European Science and Exploration missions.

Strategic Outcome:

Canada's presence in space meets the needs of Canadians for scientific knowledge, space technology and information.

Expected Results (Program Activity Level)

Space Based Earth Observation:

The benefits of activities involved in Earth Observation from space serve Canadian users in the fields of environment, resource and land-use management, and security and sovereignty.

Space Science and Exploration:

Participation in Canadian and international missions expands the scientific knowledge base made available to Canadian academia and R&D communities in the areas of astronomy, space exploration and solar-terrestrial relations, as well as in physical and life sciences.

Satellite Communications:

State-of-the-art systems and applications are developed to satisfy the needs of the Canadian government and population in order to ensure that Canada remains a world leader in satellite communications.

Generic Space Activities in support of EO, SE and SC:

Canada's industrial technological capabilities can meet the needs of future space missions and activities.

Expected Accomplishments:

Successful development and demonstration of advanced technologies, systems, components, or studies provided for in the contracts awarded by ESA to Canadian firms under the following EO programs: EOEP, GMES Service Element, and GMES Space Component.

Successful development and demonstration of advanced technologies, systems, components, or studies provided for in the contracts awarded by ESA to Canadian firms under the following Telecommunications programs: ARTES 1, 3, 4, 5, 8 and GalileoSat.

Growing utilization of data obtained from ESA on markets and Earth Observation and Telecommunications technologies as strategic information for government departments, agencies and industries in Canada.

Demonstration of space-qualified technologies and products developed by Canadian firms for the space exploration markets via our participation to Europe's space exploration program Aurora.

Development of new alliances and/or strengthening of established alliances between Canadian and European companies, to diversify Canada's international space partnerships and complement its long-standing relationship with the U.S.

Actual Accomplishments:

Several technologies and skills have been developed and improved through the participation of Canadian companies in ESA programs. Some businesses have integrated these technologies into products, allowing them to sell these products in other than European markets. In addition to generating revenues, the development and improvement of space technologies also created or maintained specialized jobs. In addition, specialized skills were created in the areas of space hardware, ground segment, and space technology applications.

The program served to boost the visibility of Canada in European markets. Canadian contractors see the ESA Contribution program as a means of cultivating business relationships. The program also fosters regional development and access to other markets by virtue of the successes of companies in Europe. Furthermore, Canada expanded its knowledge and technology in fields such as weather and ice movement forecasting, Earth Observation data, satellite communications technologies, environmental monitoring and security.



($ in millions)

Actual Spending 2006-2007

Actual Spending 2007-2008

Planned Spending 2008-2009

Total Authorities 2008-2009

Actual Spending 2008-2009

Variance between Planned vs. Actual

Space Based Earth Observation 9.9 7.3 9.9 7.6 7.4 2.4
Space Science and Exploration 5.8 6.9 5.8 8.5 8.2 (2.4)
Satellite Communications 11.0 13.7 12.5 11.2 10.9 (1.6)
Generic Space Activities in support of EO, SE & SC 8.7 7.3 8.1 8.9 8.3 (0.2)
Total Contributions 35.5 35.2 36.3 36.3 34.9 1.4
Total Program Activities 35.5 35.2 36.3 36.3 34.9 1.4

Notes:

  • Due to rounding, figures may not add up to totals shown.
  • This table details contribution programs with funding in excess of $5 million per annum.

Comments on Variances:

Several factors explain the year-to year fluctuations in spending as well as the yearly variation between program activities under Canada/ European Space Agency (ESA) programs: the budgetary cycle of ESA differs from the one of Canada, the cash flow requirements of ESA programs which Canada is participating in (the budget requirements vary with the project's delivery phase), the slippage in the disbursements for Canada/ESA programs (the programs and associated contracts to industry are delivered by ESA; hence, CSA has no control on actual project implementation), the potential cost increases in development programs, as well as the inflation rate and exchange rate fluctuations.

Consequently, the positive variance of $1.4 million in 2008-2009 mainly corresponds to the risk funds re-profiled to future years arising from the sound management of this Program. The variances are in accordance with the objectives and terms and conditions of the 2000-2009 Canada/ESA Cooperation Agreement.

Significant Audit and Evaluation Findings and URL (s) to the Last Audit and/or Evaluation:

Canada is well thought of by Europeans, as the 28 years of cooperation between ESA and Canada clearly demonstrate. Canadian companies have made a significant contribution to the many technologies developed in the areas of Earth Observation and Satellite Communications.

Several businesses have developed business relationships with Europe thanks to the Agreement, and all stakeholders in the program agree that these relationships could continue, provided that Canada maintains its financial contribution to ESA. Canadian businesses have cultivated alliances with each other to benefit from or facilitate access to European markets through ESA programs under the Agreement.

The program helps diversify and open markets and contributes to the achievement of objectives under the Canadian Space Strategy respecting Earth Observation and Satellite Communications. However, it does not lead to the transfer of technologies as much as to the exchange of information on technologies.

Small and medium-sized companies have difficulty taking part in ESA programs and require greater support, not only to access these markets, but also to develop expertise so that they can continue doing business in these markets after their initial participation in ESA programs.

Source: Evaluation of the Canada/ESA Cooperation Agreement
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/er-0405-0202.asp




CASSIOPE Mission

Start Date: November 1, 2003 End Date: March 31, 2012

Description:

Support the integration of two payloads on a single generic Canadian small satellite bus the CASCADE telecommunications Ka-Band component and the enhanced Polar Outflow Probe (ePOP) scientific instrument.

Strategic Outcome:

Canada's presence in space meets the needs of Canadians for scientific knowledge, space technology and information.

Expected Results (Program Activity Level)

Space Based Earth Observation:

The benefits of activities involved in Earth Observation from space serve Canadian users in the fields of environment, resource and land-use management, and security and sovereignty.

Space Science and Exploration:

Participation in Canadian and international missions expands the scientific knowledge base made available to Canadian academia and R&D communities in the areas of astronomy, space exploration and solar-terrestrial relations, as well as in physical and life sciences.

Satellite Communications:

State-of-the-art systems and applications are developed to satisfy the needs of the Canadian government and population in order to ensure that Canada remains a world leader in satellite communications.

Generic Space Activities in support of EO, SE and SC:

Canada's industrial technological capabilities can meet the needs of future space missions and activities.

Expected Accomplishments:

Development and demonstration of the CASCADE Ka-Band telecommunications payload designed and built by Canadian companies. CASCADE is the precursor of communication satellite constellations that will help position the Canadian industry on the international market as a supplier of advanced components and a service provider.

Development of a small Canadian scientific satellite, the enhanced Polar Outflow Probe (ePOP), which will probe the upper atmosphere and ionosphere region where solar variability influences global change in various time scales.

Development of a generic Canadian small satellite bus that could also be used for future Canadian missions.

Actual Accomplishments:

Completed manufacture, assembly and integration of the Cascade payload. Completed manufacture, assembly and integration of ePOP instruments, data handling units and booms. Completed manufacture, test and integration of the generic small satellite bus. Started the environment testing of the spacecraft at DFL.



($ in millions)

Actual Spending 2006-2007

Actual Spending 2007-2008

Planned Spending 2008-2009

Total Authorities 2008-2009

Actual Spending 2008-2009

Variance between Planned vs. Actual

Space Science and Exploration 2.3 1.7 0.7 0.7 0.5 0.2
Satellite Communications 16.2 7.0 6.0 6.0 3.6 2.4
Total Contributions 18.5 8.7 6.7 6.7 4.1 2.6
Total Program Activities 18.5 8.7 6.7 6.7 4.1 2.6

Notes:

  • Due to rounding, figures may not add up to totals shown.
  • This table details contribution programs with funding in excess of $5 million per annum.

Comments on Variances:

CASSIOPE: CASSIOPE: Program delays due to problems with the development of critical component (DSU) and the move of the launch date from November 2008 to November 2009 due to delays in the development of the Falcon launch vehicle. After detailed reviews of all the mission components, the schedule and milestones were modified to fit the new program schedule and launch date and the cash flow projections were adjusted accordingly.

ePOP: The delays for ePOP were necessitated by the extension of the CASSIOPE schedule and slippage of the launch date, which are beyond the control of the University of Calgary. The schedule extension will require the University of Calgary to stretch instrument test to fit the extended CASSIOPE schedule and maintain the project development teams at the universities and in industry for a longer period. The integration of ePOP with the CASSIOPE spacecraft is MacDonald, Dettwiller and Associates's responsibility, and was performed at Bristol in Winnipeg and at the David Florida Lab in Ottawa. Synchronization of all program elements and activities, including the ePOP payload integration and test, is critical for success.

Significant Audit and Evaluation Findings and URL (s) to the Last Audit and/or Evaluation:

The CSA program management office proactively manages technical aspects of the CASSIOPE contribution program. Effective management mechanisms and practices are implemented to ensure progress towards achieving expected technical results at the technology demonstration phase. The risk management mechanisms ensure that technical risks are effectively monitored and mitigated or reduced for all program elements.

The CSA disposes of sufficient authority and resources to ensure effective management of technical aspects of the CASSIOPE contribution program. The existing management mechanisms and practices provide the CSA with high level expertise in satellite communications and ensure effective coordination with the Communications Research Centre. They also ensure effective coordination between the CSA and each of the two recipients, as well as between the two contribution recipients.

Source: http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/pdf/ar-0607-0102.pdf