CSA awards six space exploration contracts

The Canadian Space Agency has awarded six contracts, valued at $250,000 each, to four organizations to develop concept studies related to future space exploration ventures. The studies are part of the CSA's strategy to invest in emerging technology areas, such as: a high resolution Canadian-led space telescope; robots to remove space debris and tune-up ailing satellites; an instrument to measure the composition of the atmosphere of planets; and a device that measures radiation exposure more accurately. Leading the projects are COM DEV International, MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd, ABB Canada and the Univ of Alberta. Under the contracts, each supplier will develop preliminary designs for six mission concepts....