CAISU Workshop, November 5, 2004 Canadian Expertise Relevant to Exploration David Kendall Director General Space Science Program CAISU Workshop, CSA Headquarters, November 5th, 2004

CAISU Workshop, November 5, 2004 Exploration at CSA The Canadian Space Agency is currently developing expertise in both exploration science and technology –Planetary exploration science covers the traditional fields of research Solid planetology (geology, geophysics) Astrobiology Planetary Atmospheres Small bodies research

CAISU Workshop, November 5, 2004 Exploration Technologies at CSA Technology development in the following areas has been carried out and is ongoing: –Manipulator systems for planetary applications –Sub-surface sample acquisition and handling –LIDAR for planetary landing, orbital rendezvous, surface navigation, and science instrumentation –Communications strategies for planetary applications –Guidance, navigation, and control for planetary surface roving –Advanced life support systems

CAISU Workshop, November 5, 2004 Canada and Phoenix The current primary interests of the Canadian scientific community are in understanding the subsurface of Mars and the atmosphere of the planet Canada is contributing a science instrument to the NASA 2007 Phoenix mission –The MET station will study the atmosphere of Mars from the landed platform using LIDAR, temperature and pressure sensors –Builds on Canadian expertise in LIDAR and provides the Canadian science community with their first access to the surface of Mars Canada also contributed a Thermal Plasma Analyser to the Japanese Nozomi mission

CAISU Workshop, November 5, 2004 Canadian-Partnered Mission to Mars CSA is currently in the initial planning phase for providing a major element to a modest international scientific mission to Mars to be launched in 2011 This mission will be: –Visible to the Canadian public –Science-driven –Technology-enabled –Complementary to international efforts in Mars exploration

CAISU Workshop, November 5, 2004 Current Program With current resources available at CSA, the most likely extent of Canadian participation in exploration activities will be limited to: –Phoenix 2007 –Small contributions to international missions (à la Phoenix) –Canadian-partnered Mars mission –Continued science and technology development on the ground

CAISU Workshop, November 5, 2004 Augmented Program An augmented program, that better responds to the challenge of sending humans to the moon and Mars, is of interest to CSA –However, this will require additional resources that are not currently baselined There exists relevant Canadian expertise, and we would like to explore how to turn this into valuable contributions to the exploration effort Participation in US and international milestone missions, with key niche areas for Canada, would exist in parallel with small Canadian-led scientific efforts

CAISU Workshop, November 5, 2004 Extraction of Resources Canada has world-class expertise in mining, space robotics, and geology In-situ resource utilization is a science and technology joint activity that fits well with existing Canadian expertise as well as the priority scientific objectives This includes tools and automation for assisting humans in resource extraction, drilling, prospecting, and exploring (including computing systems)

CAISU Workshop, November 5, 2004 Space Robotics Canada has built the only space robots used routinely in human spaceflight Strong experience in space robotics operations through ISS program Participation to many key missions involving on- orbit servicing and in-space rendezvous (XSS- 11, Orbital Express, potential for Hubble repair mission)

CAISU Workshop, November 5, 2004 Advanced Medical Systems Telemedicine is a necessity for the Canadian population, as there are many remote communities without proper medical staff on-site Canada has heritage in: – telecommunications –advanced computing, –medical sensors –spacecraft medical monitoring systems –spacesuits

CAISU Workshop, November 5, 2004 Advanced Life Support Systems Canada has the only large-scale growth chambers for growing plants at low pressures and varying atmospheric compositions Expertise exists in incorporating higher plant chambers in an overall advanced, bioregenerative life support system Currently contributing the higher plant chamber to ESA’s Melissa loop (a pilot plant for a closed- loop, bioregenerative life support system) Research in this area is on-going

CAISU Workshop, November 5, 2004 Terrestrial Analogues of Space Environments Some Canadian laboratories and several sites in the Canadian Arctic are currently used as analogue sites Augmented use of some of these sites will be required as we prepare for human exploration CSA is interested in creating a network of analogue sites across the globe with partner agencies –Does not require augmented budget to CSA, can happen now –A very feasible, relatively low-cost, and concrete starting point for collaboration in human exploration between CSA and other space agencies partners

CAISU Workshop, November 5, 2004 LIDAR for Exploration Strong heritage exists in Canada with LIDAR systems. Current widespread terrestrial commercial use. Space applications include: –High-precision landing –Topographical mapping from orbit –Orbital rendezvous and capture/docking –Surface navigation –Scientific instrumentation A LIDAR will be flown on Phoenix as well as earth-orbiting demonstrations Canada could be a supplier of choice for these sensors

CAISU Workshop, November 5, 2004 Telecommunications Canada has a long heritage in telecommunications by necessity, due to its geography Canada supplied the initial criticality 1 communication system for ISS, and the antenna system on the Command and Service Module link to Earth for the Apollo program Canadian research in this area will result in increased data rates using similar hardware Contributions could be made to: –Long-range, Earth to Moon and Mars, radio and optical links –Surface communications systems –Communication links between surface and orbit –Internal spacecraft systems

CAISU Workshop, November 5, 2004 Other Possibilities Canada is in a position to contribute to other aspects of planetary exploration, however, as yet, these have not been pursued by virtue of the lack of resources (human and financial) Possible areas include: –Rovers –Spacesuits –Medical diagnostic procedures (Canada is participating in the CMAS program) –Radiation dosimetry –Advanced warning of highly-energetic solar particle events (Canada is key partner in ILWS program) –Near-Earth Object hazard avoidance (Canada is planning on launching a dedicated spacecraft for this purpose) –Etc.

CAISU Workshop, November 5, 2004 The Future There are many other planetary exploration possibilities, besides Mars, to which Canadian scientific and technological involvement could be possible (e.g., Jupiter Icy Moons, Venus, Mercury, comets, asteroids, …..) Canada does not lack ideas or interest, however, we do lack resources …..