ARCHIVED - Canadian Space Agency - Report

Expected Result

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

Main Accomplishments in 2010-2011

RADARSAT-2 is fully operational since April 2008. The Canadian Government has a $445 million credit over the life of the satellite. There continues to be an increase in the use of data by a number Canadian government departments which used data valued at over $37 million in 2010-2011 compared to $34 million in 2009-2010. Canadian government departments and agencies ordered over 20,000 scenes in 2010-2011, an increase of over 13%.

The CSA continued the planning and development of the first of three satellites for the RADARSAT Constellation, the follow-on mission to RADARSAT-2, to be launched in 2015 and 2016. A Preliminary Design, initiated in November 2008, was completed in March 2010 and the detailed design phase started in March 2010.

The CSA ensured Canada's commitment, as an official member of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters. CSA continued to contribute critical EO images in support of relief, aid and humanitarian efforts undertaken in response to disasters in countries around the world. This year alone CSA has supported 46 Charter activations providing data world-wide for covering different disaster types such as floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, oil spills, landslides, and hurricanes.

Indicator 1 – Performance Analysis

For the purpose of Departmental Performance Reporting, the CSA presents a list of space missions to which it actually contributes or plans to contribute. Any mission must necessarily follow many critical steps depicted in a simple manner as such:

• Mission under review: A mission that is subject to concept of feasibility studies.

• Mission in development: The participation implies that activities produce assets which are not yet operational.

• Mission in operation: The mission is operational, delivering results until being fully completed.

(Year) = Actual or projected launch date or date of completion when known.
* = New missions; None in 2010-2011

EO missions at the Operation stage (9): * = 0

CloudSat (2006), ESA-ENVISAT (2002), ESA-ERS-2 (2005), ESA-GOCE (2009),
ESA-SMOS (2009), ESA-Cryosat (2010), MOPITT (1999), OSIRIS (2001),
RADARSAT-1 (1995), RADARSAT-2 (2008), SCISAT-1 (2003).

EO missions at the Development stage(13): * = 0
RADARSAT Constellation (2014), ESA/JAXA-EarthCARE (2013), ESA-ADM/Aeolus (2011),
ESA-Sentinel-1 (2011), ESA-Sentinel-2 (2012, 2016), ESA-Sentinel-3, ESA-Sentinel-5 Precursor,
ESA-Swarm (2012), NIRST (AQUARIUS / SAC-D) (2011), PROBA-2 (2011).

EO missions under review (14): * = 0
CANSOC, CASS, MCAP, MEOS, MOPITT-2, PCW/PolarSat (weather component) (2016),
PHEMOS (Atmospheric component), SMAP, Snowsat, SOAR, STEP, SWIFT (2014),
TICFIRE, WaMI.

Missions' descriptions can be found in the electronic version of "Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome – Detailed Performance Information" at the following address:
www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/default.asp#parliament

Indicator 2 – Performance Analysis

A total of 22 applications became operational in 2010-2011 compared to 15 last year; 7 from the Earth Observation Application Development Program (EOADP) and 15 from Government Related Initiatives Program (GRIP) divided into monitoring applications (e.g. Environmental Monitoring, Ecological Integrity, Ice Movement Mapping; Water Quality Monitoring), detecting applications (e.g. Oil Slick and Ship Detection; Forest Monitoring; Energy and Biomass Monitoring), and measuring applications (e.g. Soil Moisture and Geological and Water Monitoring, Winds and Waves Extraction). An interesting trend has been observed; while only 23% (6/26) of the operational applications came from the GRIP in 2008-2009, this percentage rose to 68% (15/22) in 2010-2011.

Source: Internal documents.

Expected Result

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

Main Accomplishments in 2010-2011

In 2010-2011, all contracts under the Economic Stimulus initiative on space robotics that was announced as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan were awarded. The initiative helped develop terrestrial prototypes of the next generation Canadarm and prototypes of three different rovers and their associated technologies for future Moon and Mars exploration.

Through the renewed CSA Class Grant and Contribution Program to support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology, the CSA continued to support the development of science and technology, and fostered the development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada in areas relevant to the priorities of the CSA.

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield was chosen to be assigned for the second Canadian Long-Duration mission on the ISS (C-2). The Canadian Astronaut Corps is adapting to the new reality of fewer flight opportunities as a result of the culmination of the Space Shuttle Program. The CSA continued to use the expertise and skill sets of flown astronauts to advance and position the Canadian Space Exploration Program.

The CSA continued to fulfill its obligations for Mobile Servicing System (MSS) operations.

Indicator 1 – Performance Analysis

For the purpose of Departmental Performance Reporting, the CSA presents a list of space missions to which it actually contributes or plans to contribute. Any mission must necessarily follow many critical steps depicted in a simple manner as such:

• Mission under review: A mission that is subject to concept of feasibility studies.

• Mission in development: The participation implies that activities produce assets which are not yet operational.

• Mission in operation: The mission is operational, delivering results until being fully completed.

(Year) = Actual or projected launch date or date of completion when known.
* = New missions in 2010-2011 = 13% (15/122)

SE missions completed (43): * = 8

APEX-Cambium (2010), APEX-CSA 2 (2010), Aquatic Orgs in ug (2010), Astronauts: EXPEDITION 20/21 (C1), STS-115 (2006), STS-118 (2007), STS-121 (2006), STS-127 (2009), TMA-6/10S (2005), BCAT-5 (2010), BISE (2010), BLAST (2007), CCISS (2010), ELERAD (2007), eOSTEO (2008), ESA-SODI IVIDIL (2010), EVARM, FUSE (2008), HAWAII (2010), H-Reflex, ICE-First (2004), Matroshka-R (2008), MSS: HTV-2 *, MSS: Increment 23 *, MSS: Increment 24 *, MSS: Increment 25 *, MSS: Increment 26 *, MSS: STS-114 (2005), STS-119 (2009), STS-123 IJ/A (DEXTRE) (2008), STS-124 (2008), STS-126 (2008), STS-131 (Flight 19A) *, STS-132 (Flight ULF4) *, STS-133 *, Phoenix (2008), PMDIS (2009), RADI-N (2010), SCCO (2009), TRAC (2008), TriDAR DTO STS-128 (08-2009), TriDAR DTO STS-131 (04-2010), WISE (2005).

SE missions at the Operation stage (13): * = 1

CADC/Hubble (2008), CGSM (2007), ESA-Bed Rest (2006) *, ESA-Hershel-HIFI/Spire (2009), ESA-MICAST (2009), ESA-Planck (2009), ESA-SODI DSC, FPEF-JAXA-Mangaroni Liquid Bridge (2008), Hypersole (2010), MOST (2003), MVIS (2008), THEMIS (2007, 2011), Vascular (2009).

SE missions under review (46): * = 0

CanALSS, CCAP (2014), CHENSS (2014), CIMEX (2013), Dark Energy Mission (2009), DynAMO, ESA-Cross-scale, ESA-NEQUISOL (2013), EVIS, FPNS, GPR, HALO, ICAPS (2010), ILN, Insect Habitat, ISRU, LEMUR, LiteArm, LORE, LSC, Lunar Rover, Luna-Resource-Concept 1, Luna-Resource-Concept 2, MEMS LIDAR, M-FTSIS, MIM/ATEN, MLM, MSO-FTIR, MSO-SAR, MSR NET (Vision System), MWD, New FRONTIERS, OCLE-DOCLE, ORBITALS (2014), PHEMOS, RAO, RAPIER, RAVENS (2004), Remote Care Health Providers, ROSM, SBIS, SCOPE, Si Si-Ge alloys, SPICA, TRACTEUR, VSE.

Missions' descriptions can be found in the electronic version of "Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome – Detailed Performance Information" at the following address: www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/default.asp#parliament

Indicator 2 – Performance Analysis

This year’s total of 79 scientific instruments and technological applications is associated with 40 missions. This number represents an additional 11 instruments/applications compared to last year. When divided by the number of missions, the number of instruments shows a ratio of 1.98 instrument/application per mission; some having a least one related instrument/application up to a maximum of 10 per mission. These 79 instruments/applications can be divided among 4 different fields: 35 instruments/applications were developed for Astronomy/Planetary Exploration missions (44%); 30 instruments/applications for Solar-Terrestrial Relation missions (38%); 10 instruments/applications were developed for Life/Physical Sciences missions (13%), and, 4 instruments/applications were developed for Space Operational Medicine (5%).

Source: Internal documents.

Expected Result

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.

Main Accomplishments in 2010-2011

The CSA completed the ground segment infrastructure upgrade needed for the utilization of the Government of Canada capacity credit of the Anik F2 satellite by northern communities.

The mission and preliminary system requirements for the Polar Communications and Weather (PCW) mission have been defined in order to meet the needs for full-time broadband communications coverage over Canadian Area of Interest up to the North Pole.

The CSA successfully completed a preliminary study for a new mission of a constellation of micro-satellites to provide an automatic identification system (AIS) for ships with the objective of improving maritime monitoring of the Canadian coasts.

Indicator 1 – Performance Analysis

For the purpose of Departmental Performance Reporting, the CSA presents a list of space missions to which it actually contributes or plans to contribute. Any mission must necessarily follow many critical steps depicted in a simple manner as such:

• Mission under review: A mission that is subject to concept of feasibility studies.

• Mission in development: The participation implies that activities produce assets which are not yet operational.

• Mission in operation: The mission is operational, delivering results until being fully completed.

(Year) = Actual or projected launch date or date of completion when known.
* = New missions in 2010-2011 = 11% (1/9)

SC missions at the Operation stage (1):*=0

Anik F2 Utilization (2010).

SC missions at the Development stage (4):*=0

Cassiope-CASCADE (2012), ESA–Alphasat, ESA-Gallileo SAT (2010), M3MSat (2011).

SC missions under review (4):*=1

AIS-Constellation *, Next Generation – Advanced Broadband payload # 1 (2014), PCW (telecommunication aspect) (2016), QuickSat.

Missions' descriptions can be found in the electronic version of "Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome – Detailed Performance Information" at the following address: www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/default.asp#parliament

Expected Result

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

Main Accomplishments in 2010-2011

In 2010-2011, the CSA and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council continued to foster closer collaboration between industry, universities and government in space research and technology development. Twelve agreements flowing from this program were either initiated or continued in 2010-2011.

In the meantime, the CSA increased the accessibility and availability of the David Florida Laboratory facilities to academia and the Canadian and foreign space companies, while assembling and testing in priority sequence the hardware for CSA’s projects.

Expected Result

Targeted level of awareness of space among Canadians is reached.

Main Accomplishments in 2010-2011

The number of visitors to the CSA’s interactive website increased by 27% from 1.050 million in 2009-2010 to 1.332 million in 2010-2011.

A total of 100 public events were conducted in communities throughout Canada, including 59 specifically involving Canadian astronauts, and 3 traveling exhibits were loaned for display with science center partners to raise awareness of space science and technology.

A total of 690 educators received professional development in workshops conducted in provinces across the country and at annual conferences of teachers in four provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Prince Edward Island.

A total of 460,071 students from across the country were reached through workshops and learning materials developed by the CSA and still others in activities and events supported by the Space Learning Grants and Contributions Program.

Expected Result #1

Internal Services provide an added value to CSA managers in the performance of their duties.

Main Accomplishments in 2010-2011

The CSA has integrated its new Program Activity Architecture and Performance Measurement Framework as well as its reviewed organizational structure in all corporate operational and financial management systems for the planning and monitoring of all programs starting fiscal year 2011-2012.

The CSA has approved its 2010-2013 Integrated Corporate Human Resources Plan in line with the Program Activity Architecture which addresses government priorities and CSA specific issues.

The CSA has approved its 2010-2013 Integrated Corporate Human Resources Plan in line with the Program Activity Architecture which addresses government priorities and CSA specific issues. The CSA updated its policies pertaining to intellectual property management and streamlined its procedures to facilitate access to intellectual property assets through licensing or dissemination. CSA also reviewed half of its current portfolio of technologies and conducted 15 commercial studies on the most promising ones to find potential licensees.

Indicator 1 – Performance Analysis

The Management Accountability Framework (MAF) is a key instrument for management oversight that provides informed opinions about the state of management in federal government organizations. The MAF is used by deputy heads to improve management performance.

The MAF results have declined as compared with 2009-2010. Two areas of management have improved, 5 have remained the same, and 4 have declined. The CSA has demonstrated its strength in the areas of management Evaluation and People Management.

Although there are a number of opportunities for improvement, in the short term the CSA is expected to make progress in the areas of management Managing for Results and Citizen-Focused Services.

Sustained effort will be spread out in priority areas of management Security, Risk Management and Investment Planning.

The assessment reveals that cross-cutting initiatives such as the review of the CSA governance and risk management started in 2010-2011 will have a positive effect on the performance across many areas of management.

Source: Round VIII 2010-2011 Management Accountability Framework Assessment. (May 2011).

EXPECTED RESULT #2

The two highest priority risks identified in the CSA Corporate Risk Profile are addressed and mitigated.