Reflecting on 2024: A Stellar Year of Cosmic Breakthroughs and Discoveries!

Telehealth services

In February, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) along with Impact Canada revealed the recipient of the Deep Space Healthcare Challenge. MD Applications, based in Montreal, was awarded a grant of $500,000 to advance its EZResus app. This application, already proving life-saving on Earth, shows immense promise in diagnosing and managing medical emergencies in space.

Nourishing astronauts during missions

In March, the CSA declared the Canadian victor of the Deep Space Food Challenge. Ecoation Innovative Solutions Inc., located in Vancouver, received $380,000 for its CANGrow indoor modular food cultivation system, crafted to function in both extraterrestrial environments and isolated areas.

University learners assemble their own nanosatellite

On March 21, three CubeSats, constructed by Canadian students, were deployed to the International Space Station. Following four launches, the Canadian CubeSat Project reached completion and transitioned into CUBICS, offering university groups the chance to design, test, launch, and operate their own nanosatellites.

Mars discovery through the Canadian APXS device

In early May, during an exploration of Mars’ rugged terrain, the Curiosity rover pulverized a rock, resulting in an unexpected find: pure sulfur crystals, a phenomenon never before recorded on the red planet! The nature of these crystals was identified using the Canadian APXS instrument connected to the rover’s robotic arm.

CSA facilitates global events

Throughout the year, various significant events occurred at the John H. Chapman Space Centre (CSA) headquarters. Notably, on May 21, the second workshop concerning the Artemis Accords was held. Over a span of three days, delegates from the signing nations deliberated on principles aimed at ensuring that civil space exploration endeavors are secure, clear, and sustainable. Additionally, in late October, around 80 representatives from global space agencies and governmental bodies convened at the CSA for the 38th plenary session of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), pooling their knowledge to enhance the advantages of satellite Earth observation (EO) efforts.

Canadian research and tools in the stratosphere

In June, as a segment of the STRATOS program, two stratospheric balloon campaigns were conducted, one in Canada (ICARUS 2024) and another in Sweden (TRANSAT 2024), which marked the first transatlantic flight between the two nations.

Advancements on Canadarm3 for Gateway

In June, Canada commenced the design, construction, and testing phase for Canadarm3. These final procedures are crucial before the advanced Canadian robotic system, developed by MDA Space, is handed over to Gateway, the forthcoming major international initiative for human space exploration.

Water, an essential resource for space expeditions

In July, the CSA announced the semi-finalists for the Aqualunar Challenge, which seeks to create innovative technologies for purifying water on the Moon. These technologies, primarily intended for space missions, may also enhance existing water purification methods on Earth.

Microgravity tests in Longueuil

In July, the CSA and the National Research Council of Canada executed a parabolic flight campaign in Longueuil. Various technologies were tested during these flights, including a flywheel intended for the Artemis II mission.

Celebrating 40 years of Canadians in space

On October 5, Canada commemorated 40 years of Canadian astronauts in space! In 1984, Marc Garneau became the first Canadian to venture into space (Mission STS-41G). Since that momentous eight-day flight, nine CSA astronauts have participated in 17 space expeditions. Three more are currently in rigorous preparation for an upcoming mission.

Canadian contributions for disaster response

The International Charter on Space and Major Disasters was activated 83 times this year. Data from the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) and RADARSAT 2 was disseminated to relief organizations across the globe to aid in their response to disaster-stricken areas.areas.

Recent findings attributed to the James Webb Space Telescope

Canada has also distinguished itself in astronomy with the Canadian instrument NIRISS, which facilitates the examination of various types of celestial entities on the Webb Telescope. Researchers at the University of Montreal have identified a possibly habitable exoplanet. Moreover, through the CANUCS program, Canadian scientists were able to witness the inaugural galaxy in active formation. This phenomenal object was labeled Firefly Sparkle due to the ten distinct star clusters shimmering like fireflies.

Canadian astronauts undergoing training

This past year has been quite eventful for our Canadian astronauts as they enthusiastically represented Canada on the global platform and played a role in the advancement of upcoming space missions. Joshua Kutryk is gearing up for a six-month mission on the International Space Station, while Jeremy Hansen and Jenni Gibbons are preparing for a journey around the Moon during Artemis II. Alongside their contributions to space missions in various capacities, David Saint-Jacques has also been instrumental in outlining Canada’s involvement in lunar exploration.

Contact details

Canadian Space Agency

Media Relations Office

Phone: 450-926-4370

Email: asc.medias-media.csa@asc-csa.gc.ca

Website: www.asc-csa.gc.ca

Connect with us on social media!