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2010-11
Departmental Performance Report



Canadian Space Agency






Supplementary Information (Tables)






Table of Contents




3.3.1) Sources of Non-Respendable Revenue

Non-Respendable Revenue
($ in millions)
Program Activity Actual Revenue
2008-2009
Actual Revenue
2009-2010
2010-2011
Main Estimates Planned Revenue Total Authorities Actual Revenue
Space Based Earth Observation
Royalty Revenues 3.9 1.1 N/A 0.7 N/A 1.2
Miscellaneous Revenues 0.2 0.0 N/A 0.,0 N/A 0.0
Space Science and Exploration
Miscellaneous Revenues 0.1 0.0 N/A 0.0 N/A 0.0
Generic Technological Activities in support of EO, SE and SC
Testing Facilities and Services of the David Florida Laboratory 2.6 1.7 N/A 2.3 N/A 3.7
Royalties from Intellectual Property 0.0 0.1 N/A 0.0 N/A 0.0
Internal Services
Miscellaneous Revenues 0.0 0.4 N/A 0.0 N/A 0.3
Total Non-Respendable Revenue 6.8 3.2 N/A 3.1 N/A 5.2

Note: Due to rounding, figures may not add up to totals shown.



3.3.2) User Fees Reporting

User Fee: Fees charged for the processing of access to information requests filed under the Access to Information Act (ATIA)

Fee Type: Other products and services (O)

Fee-Setting Authority: Access to Information Act

Date Last Modified: 1992

Performance Standards: Response provided within 30 days following receipt of request; the response time may be extended pursuant to section 9 of the ATIA. Notices of extension are to be sent within 30 days after receipt of request. The Access to Information Act provides fuller details.

Performance Results: The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) received 22 new requests for access to information and had one that was outstanding from the previous period. Two were reported to be processed in the following year, for a total of 21 processed requests. CSA routinely waives fees in accordance with TBS guidelines. The response time was within time limits in 91% of the requests.

($ in thousands)
2010-2011 Planning Years
Forecast Revenue Actual Revenue Full Cost Fiscal Year Forecast Revenue Estimated Full Cost
0.1 0.1 80 2011-2012 0.1 80
2012-2013 0.1 80
2013-2014 0.1 80

Other Information: The CSA collects user fees for information requests in accordance to the Access to Information Act. The total user fees collected in 2010-2011 are for application fees. There was no need to charge for preparation and search fees.



3.3.3) Status Report on Projects operating with specific Treasury
Board Approval

($ in millions)
Program Activity/Project Original Estimated Total Cost [1] Revised Estimated Total Cost [2] Actual Cost Total [3] 2010-2011 Expected date
of close-out [4]
Main
Estimates
Planned
Spending
Total
Authorities
Actual
Space Base Earth Observation 
RADARSAT Constellation MCP (PPA) 600.0 851.4 122.2 39.9 39.9 60.9 59.3 2016-2017
Science and Exploration
ALPHA PARTICLE X-RAY SPECTROMETER (EPA) (APXS) 8.6 9.6 9.5 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 2012-2013
JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE MCP (EPA) (JWST) 60.4 147.5 136.5 13.0 13.0 10.4 10.4 2018-2019
NEAR EARTH OBJECT SURVEILLANCE SATELLITE (EPA) (NEOSSAT) 5.4 8.6 5.9 3.9 3.9 0.7 0.7 2011-2012
ULTRA-VIOLET IMAGING TELESCOPE (EPA) (UVIT) 5.3 5.9 5.9 0.0 0.0 - - 2012-2013
Satellite Communication
MARITIME MONITORING AND MESSAGING MICRO-SATELLITE (EPA) (M3MSAT) 5.4 7.7 2.7 5.1 5.1 1.3 0.9 2012-2013
Total [3] 685.1 1030.7 282.7 62.1 62.1 73.5 71.4  

[1] Very first Total Estimated project cost approved by Treasury Board.
[2] Most recent Total Estimated project cost approved by Treasury Board.
[3] All expenditures to date including the current year.
[4] Expected date (fiscal year) for the start of operations.
[5] Excluding GST.



3.3.4) Status Report on Major Crown/Transformational Projects

RADARSAT-2

The RADARSAT-2 Major Crown Project (MCP) activities ended during the 2010-2011 fiscal year. The Major Crown Project closure submission received Treasury Board approval in May 2010. This concludes reporting on this MCP.

Summary of Non-Recurring Expenditures ($ in millions)
(As of March 31, 2010)
Program Current Estimated
Total Expenditure
Forecast to
March 31, 2010
Planned Spending
2010-2011
Future Years
RADARSAT-2 417.7 417.7 0.0 0.0

The summative evaluation of the RADARSAT-2 Major Crown Project (MCP) was completed in 2009. To learn more about it, go to: www.asc-csa.gc.ca/pdf/mcp-5702-7823.pdf

RADARSAT Constellation

1- Description

The RADARSAT Constellation is the follow-on to RADARSAT-1 and 2. RADARSAT-1 was launched in 1995 and is still operating. RADARSAT-2, developed in partnership with the private sector, was launched in 2007 for a seven-year mission. Canada has established itself as a leading global supplier of C-band satellite radar data. The RADARSAT Constellation will enhance this leadership and position Canadian industry in technology and value-added product markets.

The RADARSAT Constellation is designed as a scalable constellation of three small satellites. The satellites will be launched in 2015 and 2016. With a constellation, the time between successive imaging of the same part of the Earth (revisit time) is significantly reduced. The creation of a three-satellite constellation will increase the frequency of available information, as well as the reliability of the system, making it better suited to operational requirements of Departments. In the event of a satellite failure, the other satellites can continue to provide a reduced level of service. The lower cost of satellites facilitates the replacement of individual satellites and makes the system scalable.

The scope of the RADARSAT Constellation MCP includes the design, development manufacture, integration, test and launch of the satellites plus the design, development, manufacture and installation of the associated ground segment. One year of operation of the 3-satellite constellation is also included as well as an applications development program.

The RADARSAT Constellation will provide all-weather day and night data in support of three main user areas: maritime surveillance, disaster management and ecosystem monitoring. The three satellite constellation provides average daily coverage of most of Canada and its surrounding waters. Coverage increases significantly in Canada’s North. The constellation will provide coverage two to three times daily of the Northwest Passage.

In support of maritime surveillance requirements of Environment Canada, Department of National Defence, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada, the RADARSAT Constellation is the principal data source envisaged for wide area surveillance of Canada’s remote areas and marine approaches. Only satellite data can offer regular cost effective coverage to task ships and aircraft to intercept suspect vessels. The daily coverage of marine areas will also support fisheries monitoring, ice and iceberg monitoring, pollution monitoring and integrated ocean and coastal zone management.

In support of disaster management, both in Canada and globally, the RADARSAT Constellation can provide high resolution, all-weather (3 m) imagery of most places in the world on a daily basis. This data is critical to disaster mitigation, warning, response and recovery. Disaster types supported include flood monitoring and relief, oil spills, changes in the permafrost in northern Canada, volcano and earthquake warning and hurricane monitoring.

In support of ecosystem monitoring of Natural Resources Canada, Environment Canada, Parks Canada and Agriculture and Agri-foods Canada, the RADARSAT Constellation will be a critical source of information for agriculture, forestry and wildlife habitat. The Constellation will also provide medium resolution data for wide area change detection, supporting water quantity monitoring, wetlands mapping and coastal change monitoring.

In addition, the RADARSAT Constellation develops Canadian high technology design and manufacturing capabilities and the integration of satellite data into information products and services. Canada’s space and geomatics industries will benefit from increased positioning on international markets and privileged access to data essential to many international users.

The RADARSAT Constellation will provide C-band SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) data continuity to existing RADARSAT users, including the Canadian Ice Service, which relies on SAR data to support safe shipping in Canada.

Leading and participating Departments and Agencies

Sponsoring Agency: Canadian Space Agency
Contracting Authority:  Public Works and Government Services Canada
Participating Departments: Natural Resources Canada
Environment Canada
National Defence
Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Industry Canada
Fisheries and Oceans
Agriculture and Agri-foods Canada
Transport Canada
Public Security
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Parks Canada

Prime and Major Sub-Contractors

Prime Contractor: MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA), Richmond, British Columbia
Major Sub-Contractors:
  • MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates, Ste.-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec
  • Magellan Aerospace, Bristol Aerospace, Winnipeg, Manitoba
  • COMDEV Limited, Cambridge, Ontario
  • MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates, Halifax, Nova-Scotia
  • SED Systems, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
  • EADS, Composites Atlantic, Lunenburg, Nova-Scotia
  • IMP Group, Halifax, Nova-Scotia
  • EADS, Astrium, Stevenage, United Kingdom

Major Milestones

The major milestones on Major Crown Project, by phase, are the following:

Phase Major Milestones Date
A Requirement Definition March 2009
B Preliminary Design March 2010
C Detailed Design January 2012
D Launch satellite #1
Launch satellite #2 and #3
July 2015
November 2016
E1 Operations (part of MCP) to March 2018
E2 Operations (not part of MCP) 2018 to 2024

Progress Report and Explanation of Variances

On December 13, 2004, the Domestic Affairs Committee of Cabinet granted approval-in-principle to a ten-year, $600 million program to implement a RADARSAT Constellation aimed at addressing user needs in relation to Canadian sovereignty and marine surveillance, environmental monitoring and change detection, and disaster management. The RADARSAT Constellation is to be government-owned and operated.

In Budget 2005, the CSA was provided with an additional $110.9 million over five years (2005-2006 to 2009-2010). Combined with a further $89.1 million from the CSA’s reference levels, a total of $200 million was identified for CSA to work with the Canadian space industry on the development of the next generation of advanced radar remote sensing satellites. This funding covers Phases A (Initial Planning and Identification Phase) through C (Detailed Definition Phase) of the RADARSAT Constellation Project, but is insufficient for building and operating the satellites.

On June 6, 2005, Treasury Board granted Preliminary Project Approval (PPA) for the RADARSAT Constellation and expenditure authority for the Project Initial Planning and Identification Phase A at a substantive cost estimate of $13 million (excluding GST). Phase A sought to finalize feasibility studies, define user requirements, payload and bus options for the mission, and reduce technology risks for the antenna, transmit/receive modules, and sensor electronics.

The Phase A work started in July 2005 and was completed in December 2006. Phase A was then extended to allow additional technical risk reduction activities to continue during the period prior to the Phase B contract award. This was completed in March 2008.

A revised PPA (Preliminary Project Approval) Treasury Board Submission to proceed to Phases B and C was approved in March 2007. In December 2006, Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) initiated a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process to identify a prime contractor for the RADARSAT Constellation project (i.e., for Phases B/C/D of the space segment and a portion of the ground segment) and negotiate a contract for Phases B and C with the winning prime contractor, MDA. In September 2008, PWGSC obtained authority to enter into a contract with MDA. Negotiations for Phase B were completed in October 2008 and the contract for Phase B was awarded to MDA in November 2008. Phase B was completed in March 2010. The contract for Phase B was amended to include the scope of Phase C which will continue to January 2012.

As amended, PPA was approved by Treasury Board in December 2010 to provide authorization of $96 million for the procurement of Long Lead Items and $5 million for the AIS Technology Demonstration.

The contract for Phase D would follow successful completion of Phases B and C, obtaining the necessary funding and the granting of Effective Project Approval (EPA) from Treasury Board.

Industrial Benefits

Significant industrial benefits in the space and Earth observation sectors are expected from the RADARSAT Constellation program. It is expected to generate employment growth in the Canadian knowledge-based economy and spur the growth of small and medium-sized businesses as the Canadian infrastructure and services industry continues to grow. As of January 31, 2011, the CSA has funded close to $82 million worth of work to Canadian industry directly attributable to the RADARSAT Constellation Major Crown Project.

Regarding the Canadian content and the distribution of contracts within Canada, the prime contract includes a requirement for 70% Canadian content, excluding launch services, and the Prime contractor is required to apply CSA’s overall regional distribution targets on a “best efforts” basis. In addition, considering the past difficulty in achieving the targets in Atlantic Canada, a minimum requirement of 3.5% of the 70% Canadian content has been set for that region. The prime contract includes reporting obligations and performance measures as well as financial penalties for not meeting the minimum Atlantic Canada content. CSA works closely with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to monitor regional distribution achievements and to support the prime contractor in the delivery of the given targets.

Regional Distribution of RADARSAT Constellation Mission ($ in millions)
Contracts to Canadian Industry
(as of January 31st, 2011)
British Columbia Prairies Ontario Quebec Atlantic Provinces Total Canada
Targets 10% 10% 35% 35% 10%
(3.5% min.)*
100%
Actuals % 29.2% 11.8% 20.9% 35.5% 2.6%* 100%
Actuals $ $23.90 $9.63 $17.06 $29.05 $2.10 $81.75

* The absolute Canadian Content requirement for the Atlantic Canada Region is of 2.45% of the total contract value (3.5% of the 70% Canadian Content Requirement. As of January 2011 this contractual requirement has been met since 2.6% of the total contract value has been achieved in the Atlantic Canada region. This 2.6% corresponds to 3.71% of the 70% Canadian Content Requirement.

Summary of Non-Recurring Expenditures ($ in millions)
(As of March 31, 2011)
Program Current Estimated Total Expenditure Actuals at March 31, 2011 Future Years
RADARSAT Constellation 286.6 122.2 164.4

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

1-Description

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a joint mission of NASA, ESA, and the Canadian Space Agency. The mission concept is for a large filled-aperture telescope located 1.5 million km from Earth. Like Hubble, the JWST will be used by the astronomy community to observe targets that range from objects within our Solar System to the most remote galaxies, which are seen during their formation in the early universe. The science mission is centered on the quest to understand our origins, and specifically aimed at:

  • Observing the very first generation of stars to illuminate the dark universe when it was less than a billion years old.

  • Understanding the physical processes that have controlled the evolution of galaxies over cosmic time, and, in particular, identifying the processes that led to the assembly of galaxies within the first 4 billion years after the Big Bang.

  • Understanding the physical processes that control the formation and early evolution of stars in our own and other nearby galaxies.

  • Studying the formation and early evolution of proto-planetary disks, and characterizing the atmospheres of isolated planetary mass objects.

The JWST was scheduled for launch in 2014 (the launch date is currently under review by NASA). JWST instruments will be designed to work primarily in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum, with some capability in the visible range. JWST will have a large mirror, 6.5 meters in diameter and a sunshield the size of a tennis court that will both fold up and open once in outer space.

Canada is providing the Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS) and Tuneable Filter Imager (TFI). The FGS is integral to the attitude control system of JWST, and consists of two fully redundant cameras that will report precise pointing information of JWST. Canadian expertise in this area has been established with the successful fine error sensors for the FUSE mission. Packaged with the FGS but functionally independent, the Tuneable Filter Imager is a unique, narrow-band camera with imaging capability. For example, it will allow astronomers to search for extrasolar planets through a technique called coronography, which means that the light from a star will be blocked out so that astronomers can see what is in the star's neighbourhood.

The JWST-FGS Major Crown Project, in partnership with COM DEV Canada, consists of the design, development, integration and testing and integration into the spacecraft, launch and commissioning of the Fine Guidance Sensor and Tunable Filter Imager.

By participating in this leading-edge international space exploration mission, the Canadian Space Agency is actively promoting Canadian scientific expertise and innovative, advanced space technologies. The National Research Council's Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics is a key Government of Canada partner for activities related to the development of science instruments and distribution of telescope data.

In return for its overall investment in the JWST, Canada will obtain a minimum of 5% of the time on this unique space telescope. Already, the news of Canada's involvement in this international space exploration mission is inspiring youth, educators and amateur astronomers, and rallying members of Canada's world-renowned astrophysics community.

Leading and Participating Departments and Agencies

Sponsoring Agency: Canadian Space Agency
Contracting Authority: Public Works and Government Services
Canada for the Canadian Space Agency
Participating Departments: NRC’s Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics
Industry Canada

Prime and Major Sub-Contractors

Prime Contractor: COM DEV Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
Major Sub-Contractors:
  • Teledyne, U.S.
  • Corning Netoptix, U.S.
  • IMP Aerospace Avionics, Canada
  • ABB Bomem, Canada
  • MDA, Canada
  • INO, Canada
  • BMV, Canada
  • CDA, U.S.
  • ESTL, Europe

Major Milestones

The major milestones, by phase, are the following:

Phase Major Milestones Date
A Requirement Definition 2003-2004
B Preliminary Design August 2004 to May 2005
C Detailed Design July 2005 to September 2008
D Manufacturing/Assembly; Integration/Testing; Pre-launch preparations, Launch/System Commissioning May 2007 to 2019 (Launch date is under review by NASA)
E Operations 2019 to 2024

Note: The Major Crown Project terminates with the completion of Phase D.

Progress Report and Explanation of Variances

In March 2004, Treasury Board gave Preliminary Project Approval for Phases B, C and D at an indicative cost of $67.2 million. In December 2006, before the completion of the detailed design of the FGS, the CSA requested increased expenditure authority to complete the project. Treasury Board granted Effective Project Approval for a substantive total cost estimate of $98.4 million in February 2007 with the condition "that the Canadian Space Agency provide reports to Treasury Board at the completion of Phases C and D of the JWST project which include up-to-date information on the project scope, costs, schedule and risks". At the same time, the project became a Major Crown Project.

The first Critical Design Review (CDR), held in March 2007, for the guider function of the FGS, did reveal some technical issues, which required additional effort to resolve. This Review took place after the Effective Project Approval (EPA) received in February 2007. After this first CDR, with the focus now turning toward the preparation of the system level CDR, new issues became apparent requiring additional analysis. Testing of the Tunable Filter Imager prototype also revealed technical issues that needed to be addressed.

During this transition between the completion of the detailed design phase (Phase C) and the initiation of the manufacturing phase (Phase D) the project faced the prospect of a significant cost growth and therefore required the CSA to return to Treasury Board to amend its Effective Project Approval (EPA) for the JWST Major Crown Project. The current estimated total cost for the Definition and Implementation phases is now $134.7 million (excluding contingency). On December 2007, Treasury Board granted a revised Effective Project Approval. Manufacturing, integration and test of the FGS will be completed during Fiscal Year 2010-2011.

Over the last period, the project has been very busy with the hardware and software development. COM DEV Canada, the prime contractor for the JWST Fine Guider Sensor (FGS) project, has been working on the FGS Engineering Test Unit (ETU) and Proto Flight Model (PFM).

After a successful environment test campaign replicating the conditions of the launch, transition to its operation site and operations the ETU was delivered to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in September 2010.

On the PFM side, COM DEV Canada has successfully completed the optical alignment of the Guider and TFI at cryogenic temperature and is completing the final integration of all the components before proceeding with the environmental test campaign. One key element of the TFI instrument is still under development and must be completed before entering into the environment test campaign. The PFM is planned to be delivered to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center by the end of 2011 or early 2012.

Industrial Benefits

As of March 31, 2011, the CSA has funded close to $104 million worth of work to Canadian industry directly attributable to the JWST-FGS Major Crown Project. Direct industrial benefits from the construction of the JWST-FGS and TFI system will benefit central regions of Canada. Although there is no regional distribution requirement for this project, the following table provides an approximate distribution:

Regional Distribution of JWST Contracts to Canadian Industry ($ in millions)
(As of March 31, 2011)
Ontario Quebec Atlantic Provinces Total Canada
Actuals % 89.7% 8.5% 1.7% 100%
Actuals $ $93.20 $8.90 $1.80 $103.9
Summary of Non-Recurring Expenditures ($ in millions)
(As of March 2011)
Program Current Estimated
Total Expenditure
Actuals at
March 31, 2011
Future Years
JWST-FGS and TFI 147.5 136.5 11.0


3.3.5) Details on Transfer Payment Programs (TPPs)

Contribution under the Canada / European Space Agency Cooperation Agreement

Start date: January 1, 2000

End Date: December 31, 2019

Description

Enhance Canadian industry's technological base and provide access to European markets for value added products and services in the fields of Earth Observation (EO), telecommunications and generic technological activities; foster the participation of Canadian academia and make possible the demonstration of Canadian space technologies in European science and exploration missions. This is achieved through a financial contribution by the CSA to ESA optional programs.

Strategic Outcome

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

Expected Results (Program Activities Level)

  1. 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.

  2. 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 physics and life sciences.

  3. 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.

  4. Generic Technological Activities in support of EO, SE, and SC : Canada's industrial technological capabilities can meet the needs of future space missions and activities.

Expected Results Specific to the Transfer Payment Program:

Successful development and demonstration of advanced technologies, systems, components, and studies provided for in the contracts awarded by ESA to Canadian firms under the following ESA EO programs: EOEP (Earth Observation Envelop Program), GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) 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 ESA Telecommunications and Navigation programs: ARTES 1, 3-4, 5, 8 and GalileoSat.

Successful development and demonstration of advanced technologies, systems, components, or studies provided for in the contracts awarded by ESA to Canadian firms under Europe's space exploration program Aurora, under the European Transportation and Human Exploration Preparatory Activities program and under the European Physical and Life Science program (ELIPS).

Growing utilization of data obtained from ESA relating to European markets and Earth observation and telecommunications technologies as strategic information for government departments, agencies and industries in Canada.

Because of our participation in Europe's satellite communication, Earth observation and science and space exploration programs, increased demonstration opportunities for space-qualified technologies and products developed by Canadian firms for the space markets are available.

Development of new alliances and/or strengthening of established alliances between Canadian and European companies.

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
2008-2009
Actual Spending
2009-2010
Planned Spending
2010-2011
Total Authorities
2010-2011
Actual Spending
2010-2011
Variances
Space Based Earth Observation (EO) 7.4 6.0 9.3 9.3 6.9 2.4
Space Science and Exploration (SE) 8.2 8.8 9.9 9.9 6.9 1.9
Satellite Communications (SC) 10.9 7.6 8.3 8.3 6.0 2.3
Generic Technological Activities (GTA) in support of EO, SE and SC 8.3 8.0 10.4 10.4 12.7 (2.3)
Total Contributions 34.9 30.4 37.8 37.8 3.5 4.3
Total Program Activities 34.9 30.4 37.8 37.8 33.5 4.3

Comment on Variances

The positive variance of $4.3 million in 2010-2011 corresponds to the difference between risk funds re-profiled to future years; and strategic year-end reallocations to help the Program meet additional commitments stemming from the application of the ESA industrial policy which is based on the "juste retour" principle. These variances arise from the sound management of this Program, and are in accordance with its objectives and terms and conditions.

Several factors explain the year to year fluctuations in spending as well as the yearly variation between program activities: the budgetary cycle of ESA differs from the one of Canada, the cash flow requirements of ESA programs which Canada is participating in, and the slippage in the planned disbursements. The programs and associated contracts to industry are delivered by ESA, hence, the CSA has no control on actual program implementation, on potential cost increases, on inflation rates, and exchange rate fluctuations.

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

Further to the summative evaluation of the Canada/European Space Agency Cooperation Agreement, the contribution program under the said Agreement was recommended for continuation. Therefore, the revised terms and conditions for the contributions under the 2010-2019 Cooperation Agreement was aligned with the new 2011-2012 Program Activity Architecture (PAA).

To learn more about it, go to:
www.asc-csa.gc.ca/pdf/evaluation_2010-canada-esa_eng.pdf

Notes:

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

Class Grant and Contribution Program to support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology

Start date: October 1, 2009

End Date: March 31, 2014

Description

This program supports knowledge growth and innovation in the Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities. The program has two components: a) Research and b) Awareness and Learning.

The research component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and, support information-gathering and, space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.

The awareness and learning component aims to increase awareness of Canadian space science and technology among Canadian youth and educators and their participation in related activities; provide learning opportunities to Canadian students and physicians in various space-related disciplines; and support the operations of organizations dedicated to space research and education.

Strategic Outcome

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

Expected Results (Program Activities Level)

  1. 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.

  2. 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 physics and life sciences.

  3. Generic Technological Activities in support of EO, SE, and SC: Canada's industrial technological capabilities can meet the needs of future space missions and activities.

  4. Space Awareness and Learning: Targeted level of awareness of space among Canadians is reached.

Expected Results (Transfer Payment Program Level):

1. Research Component

  • Increased knowledge from research projects in priority space science and technology areas.
  • Maintained and/or increased space focus in universities, post-secondary institutions, and not-for-profit organizations.
  • Partnerships established and/or sustained.
  • Leveraged partner contributions.
  • Access to international collaboration for Canadian organizations.

2. Awareness and Learning component

Awareness: Increased availability and use of the space theme in learning opportunities and materials related to science and technology.

Learning: Post-secondary level and physicians will have increased knowledge and skills in space-related disciplines.

Actual Accomplishments

In 2010-2011 the program was in its first full year of implementation. Performance measurement has mainly focus on immediate results and establishing baselines in 2010-2011 and will capture more outcomes as the program matures.

Research Component

Canadian universities have made significant contribution to knowledge creation in space science and technology areas in 2010-2011 through more than 80 research projects (6M$ awarded). More than 185 peer reviewed publications have resulted from these initiatives involving around 130 Highly Qualified Personnel.

CSA supported academic teams engaged in developing new knowledge and information from missions supported by the CSA (Space Science Enhancement Program); and specific projects in areas of priority for the Agency in the field of space astronomy (BRITE, Spider, EBEX).

CSA launched two new competitive Announcements of Opportunity to train the next generation of space scientists and engineers (FAST) and create distributed Centres of Excellence in areas of priority for the CSA (Cluster Pilots).

Awareness and Learning component

Over 235 learning and awareness opportunities were supported in 2010-2011. A total of $1.2 million was awarded to individuals and organization to facilitate conferences, workshops, scientific competitions and trainings opportunities targeting audiences ranging from elementary school to university students, as well as supporting not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions in the development of space-focused content designed for Canadian students. Some specific projects reached visually impaired students or underprivileged youth. Approximately 1.7 million Canadian students were the ultimate beneficiaries of this funding.

Five Canadian physicians have had the chance this year to trained in aerospace medicine, enhancing Canadian expertise in this field. and supporting the medical needs of CSA astronauts during all phases of human spaceflight and exploration of space Recent R&D medicine related projects financed contributed to expand knowledge in areas such as muscle atrophy and bone loss in space, the development of autonomous telemedicine system and of a regional anesthetic capability for spaceflight, and long duration mission challenge for the human psyche.

($ in millions)
  Actual Spending
2008-2009
Actual Spending
2009-2010
Planned Spending
2010-2011
Total Authorities
2010-2011
Actual Spending
2010-2011
Variances
Space Based Earth Observation (EO) - - 0.5 0.5 - 0.5
Space Science and Exploration (SE) - - 1.5 1.7 0.9 0.6
Space Awareness and Learning (AL) 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 -
Generic Technological Activities (GTA) in support of EO, SE and SC - - 0.5 0.5 - 0.5
Total Contributions 0.3 0.3 2.9 3.0 1.2 1.7
Space Based Earth Observation (EO) 0.3 0.9 0.3 1.1 1.6 (1.3)
Space Science and Exploration (SE) 2.4 3.9 3.1 3.5 3.3 (0.2)
Space Awareness and Learning (AL) 0.7 0.6 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.1
Generic Technological Activities (GTA) in support of EO, SE and SC 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.2 0.3
Total Grants 3.8 5.7 4.8 6.0 6.0 (1.2)
Total TPPs 4.1 6.0 7.7 9.0 7.2 0.4

Notes:

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

Comment on Variances

No comment.

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

The summative evaluation of the previous Class Grant and Contribution Program was completed in 2009.

To learn more about it, go to:
www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/ar-0570-2745.asp
.



3.3.6) Response to Parliamentary Committees and External Audits

Response to Parliamentary Committees
  • No recommendation was received in 2010-2011.
Response to the Auditor General
  • No recommendation was received in 2010-2011.
External Audits
  • No external audits in 2010-2011.


3.3.7) Internal Audits and Evaluations

1. Name of Internal Audit 2. Type 3. Statut 4. Completion Date
(President's approbation)
5. Electronic Link to Report
Values and Ethics Management Framework Completed 2010-06-23 www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/ar-0809-0103.asp
IT Technology Dependence Management Framework Completed 2010-06-23 www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/ar-0910-0103.asp
IT Planning and development risks Management Framework Completed 2010-06-23 www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/ar-0910-0104.asp
IT System and Data Security Management Framework Completed 2010-06-23 www.asc-csa.gc.ca/pdf/ar-0910-0105.pdf
Proactive Disclosure Process Management Framework Completed 2010-09-27 www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/ar-0910-0102.asp
David Florida Laboratory test facilities management Management Framework Completed 2010-12-21 www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/ar-0910-0107.asp
Official Languages Management Framework Completed 2011-03-21 www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/ar-0910-0106.asp
Procurement and Contract management Management Framework Completed 2011-03-21 www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/publications/ar-1011-0102.asp
1. Name of Evaluation 2. Program Activity 3. Type 4. Statut 5. Electronic Link to Report
Summative Evaluation of the 2000-2009 Canada/ESA Cooperation Agreement – Final Report Four Program Activities (EO, SC, SE and GTA). Summative Completed www.asc-csa.gc.ca/pdf/evaluation_2010-canada-esa_eng.pdf