Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm pleased today to have the opportunity to present to you the Canadian Space Agency.
I understand that paper copies of our slide presentation have been handed out. To make sure we're all following, I will read out the title of the slide I am speaking to.
With respect to our mandate and objectives, the CSA, which was established in 1989 with the objective of promoting the peaceful use and development of space, supports the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development in delivering the Canadian space program.
The program is reliant on a highly innovative space sector. The government acts as an anchor customer and funds advanced R and D initiatives. The long lead times to develop and launch missions in space, and the costs and risks, require that we work in partnerships domestically and internationally to ensure success.
The next page is entitled “Organizational Structure and Budget”.
In 1999, the government established the agency's annual base budget at $300 million, with the possibility of requesting additional support from cabinet for major state projects.
Today, the base budget is approximately $260 million. The actual budget is greater than that amount because of our two major programs.
The first is the international space station, for which Canadian participation was reconfirmed until 2024 in the recent federal budget. That budget provides for additional funding in the order of $379 million, spread over the next eight years.
The second is the RADARSAT Constellation Mission. This is a constellation of three earth-observation satellites that will be put into orbit in 2018. This constellation costs $1.2 billion and will provide data to more than 20 federal departments.
At the CSA we have established four key areas of activity. The first is exploration, which is about exploring our universe, or looking out. This includes our very visible and successful Canadian astronauts and international space station programs, as well as planetary exploration and astronomy, two areas with significant Canadian scientific expertise.
The satellites area includes earth observation, communication satellites, and scientific missions that look down at earth and into the atmosphere to provide services that support our way of life. For example, our flagship RADARSAT earth observation satellite supports ice monitoring, disaster management, environmental monitoring, and security and sovereignty, to name a few activities.
Technology development, our third pillar, supports the advancement of science, technology, and expertise in the space sector, both in industry and in academia.
Finally, the awareness and inspiration area is aimed at supporting the growth of the future generation of scientists and engineers who will pursue careers in STEM areas.
I'll go to the next page, “Space is ubiquitous”.
John H. Chapman, founder of Canada's space program, once stated:
In the second century of Confederation, the fabric of Canadian society will be held together by strands in space just as strongly as railway and telegraphy held together the scattered provinces in the last century.
Albeit little known, our society is increasingly dependent on the services that satellite systems provide. Such basic services as banking transactions, ATM transactions, the Internet, traffic lights, and air, road, and ship navigation are often taken for granted.
Next is “Space inspires Canadians”.
Space is a source of inspiration and pride for Canadians young and old.
When Canadians are asked what they know about the space program, two aspects stand out. First, the Canadarm, which is essential for assembly and operations on the international space station. We have gained unparalleled media coverage for this robotic technology. Second, our astronauts.
Commander Hadfield's mission on the space station in 2012-2013 resulted in an unprecedented frenzy in both traditional and social media. The indisputable interest for the mission was felt in classrooms and living rooms all over Canada.
The next slide is about the science and innovation benefits of space.
In addition to inspiring the Canadian population, space science and technology investments have led to finding solutions to concrete problems on earth. Robotics technologies are finding applications in the medical area, particularly for neurosurgery and breast cancer screening. Vision systems developed for planetary exploration are now used for navigating mines and guiding helicopter landings. Scientific experiments on the ISS have led to bone regeneration material in support of treatments for osteoporosis. Earth observation systems are also finding new applications in fields such as precision farming.
Let's talk now about the Canadian space sector.
The space program's success is tied to the health of our Canadian space sector. Over the last five years, the sector's revenue growth at 3.7% is about double the average growth of the Canadian economy. Canadian firms have become leading experts in robotics, optics, satellite communications, and space-based radar technologies. The industry is highly successful in exporting, with half of its revenues consistently generated abroad.
To remain successful, the space program must continue looking at the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Our key partners are examining options to join in the deep space human exploration of the moon and Mars. Canada is participating in these discussions.
Increased commercialization of space is expected to greatly reduce costs, thereby providing more affordable access to space. With more access comes greater product offering. As the scope and access to services provided through space assets increase, direct benefits are anticipated for our economy and for Canadians broadly.
The next generation of space systems are influenced by new disruptive technologies. Continued investment in R and D will keep Canada in a privileged position to stay competitive and at the leading edge.
In conclusion, the space program has the potential to make a major contribution to the quality of life of Canadians and to our economy. Space can contribute to a significant number of government priorities dealing with climate change and the development of remote regions. It can also enhance safety and security in Canada and overseas.
The global space context is presently going through major changes. However, Canada's reputation as a leader in certain niche areas of science and technology makes it possible for us to remain a major partner in the future.
Once again, thank you for giving us the opportunity to make this presentation to the committee on the various facets of the Canadian Space Agency.