The Next Breakthrough Space Technologies for Canada

The Canadian Space Commerce Association presents for its annual general meeting a day long interactive discussion on the Next Breakthrough Space Technologies for Canada.

Background

There are a lot of robots aboard the International Space Station (ISS) these days and Canada plays a key role with the Mobile Servicing System and with its primary component the iconic Canadarm2, our second generation robotic arm follow-up to the highly successful Canadarm used on the space shuttles.

But the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have JEM RMS and the Small Fine Arm (SFA) while the European Space Agency (ESA) makes do with the European Robotic Arm (ERA) and the Russian’s use Strela, a manually operated robotic device. Even General Motors has Robonaut II built in collaboration with NASA which will shortly be onboard.

Given the above, does Canada still enjoy that historic lead in robotics we once used as leverage for Canadian astronaut trips aboard 13 NASA and two Soyuz manned missions over the last two decades?

Perhaps it’s time to assess the evolving landscape. What opportunities are there for Canadian businesses looking to leverage technical expertise on the world stage? What are the next “breakthrough” technologies that will allow us continue to “punch above our weight” in the international arena? Should we be looking at Martian rovers, or electrical propulsion technology or a next generation Canadarm (perhaps optimized for on-orbit servicing) or new devices for measurement and detection?

Or is there something else on the horizon?

Technology Topics

Our one day event will feature 10 speakers focusing on a variety of emerging space technologies and existing programs. Topics top be addressed will include:

• Robotic technologies including on-orbit servicing
• The Canadian Space Agencies Space Technologies Development Program
• Small Business Innovation Research program for Canada
• Satellite platforms including nanosats, smallsats, hosted payloads and launch systems
• Disruptive technologies
• Intellectual property
• Vertical systems integration to maximize efficiency and keep costs low
• And much more

Who Should Attend

• Executives, business owners and independent consultants focused on enhancing the global competitiveness of Canadian space and aerospace focused firms.

• Venture Capitalists, SR&ED credit financing firms and others wanting to know more about the opportunities available now through Canadian scientists, academics and engineers.

• Scientists, engineers, industrial R&D managers and other individuals with an interest in the intersection of policy, technology and business.

Program and Speakers

Here are speakers and the meeting agenda is now available (PDF).

• Josh Dore, Canadian Space Agency, Technology Development Manager - Commercializing Space Technologies

• Frank Teti, MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., Manager of Autonomous Robotics - Enhancing On-orbit Assets through Servicing and Orbital Debris Mitigation

• Joshua Brost, Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), Manager, Business Development - SpaceX - Revolutionizing Access to Space

• Ron Holdway, COM DEV, VP, Government Relations and 2011 CASI President - Canadian Advanced Life Support System (CanALSS) 

• Steve Bochinger, Euroconsult North America, President - The Canadian Space Sector within the International Landscape

• Grant Bonin, University of Toronto Space Flight Laboratory, Project Manager - Breakthrough Space Technologies and the "Microsat Way" in Canada

• Dr. Gordon Osinski, University of Western Ontario, NSERC/MDA/CSA Industrial Research Chair in Planetary Geology - Future Exploration Technologies and Techniques: An Academic's Perspective

• Marie-Eve Ducharme, Nüvü Camēras, President & CEO - The Darkest Camera and Why NASA Just Had to Buy It

• Wilfred So, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP - Protecting Intellectual Property

• Major Marc Fricker, Royal Military College, Canada's Military Program, Present and Future Technologies (Via videoconference)

• Dr. Brent Bailey, Engineering Services Inc., Future Robotic Technologies

Late Afternoon Panel Discussion:

The Next Breakthrough Space Technologies for Canada, Moderated by Chuck Black, SpaceRef Canada

Startup Liftoff - Up to three speakers for startup commercial space companies will have a chance for a high-energy 5 minute talk. Do you want to participate in the Liftoff talk? Send your pitch to liftoff@spacecommerce.ca.

Networking and Social

During the course of the day there will be several opportunities to network and after the formal day concludes we'll retire to Scallywags, 11 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto were participants can have dinner and socialize starting at 7:00 p.m.

Notes

Neither lunch or dinner are included in the cost of the meeting.