Canada, Off-World: The Past and Future of the National Space Program
40 years since the first Canadian blasted off from Earth, national space exploration continues to shoot for the stars.
To anyone who has ever looked up at the swallowing darkness of a night sky, the thought of what lies beyond our world has inspired wonder, trepidation, or some combination of both. From astronomical study to sci-fi media, space has held an unshakeable hold on our collective imagination since the Babylonians first tracked the motion of planets across the sky. To this day, space research continues to feed our curiosity, painting pictures of fantastic and literally otherworldly sights: diamond rain on Saturn, supersonic winds on Neptune, and centuries-long storms on Jupiter. The more we discover, the more we long to uncover the remaining secrets of the universe beyond our planet.
What wondrous sights lie hidden in deep space? Are there other worlds we could call home? And perhaps the greatest, most fascinating question that has been pondered by brilliant minds for centuries: is there life on other planets? Or are we alone in the great expanse of space, hurtling through nothingness on a tiny rock at the edge of one out of billions or trillions of galaxies? These are just some of the questions we seek to answer with our attempts to study and voyage into the unknown.
Photo by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope via Flickr
Of course, no single country or organization owns space, and there are over 70 different government space agencies around the world. But for many people, space exploration has come to be associated with one institution. Its logo, a whimsical flourish of red across a starry sky, is instantly recognizable to space enthusiasts everywhere and may well be the official crest of the cosmos. This is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the United States’ space agency operating since 1958. Since its Apollo 11 mission became the first to successfully land humans on the Moon and effectively won the Space Race in 1969, NASA has been the undisputed global leader in space exploration. From robotic rovers exploring Mars and increasingly cutting-edge telescopes to sophisticated space probes travelling into uncharted interstellar territory, the agency’s prestige is undoubtedly well-earned. But much of NASA’s research relies on its collaboration with other national space programs, including one led by its neighbour up north.
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) was founded nearly 35 years ago, on March 1, 1989. However, Canadian scientists have been contributing to space research for much longer. In 1958, the national Defence Research Board received approval to design and launch a satellite, Alouette I, that would study the uppermost parts of the Earth’s atmosphere. Canadian-designed hardware was utilized in NASA’s first crewed missions to space. In subsequent years, the Canadian space program focused on satellites to improve communications and environmental observation on Earth. But in November 1981, the launch of arguably the greatest accomplishment of Canadian robotics established the country as a formidable force in the space research sector.
Canadian-designed robotic arm Canadarm installs a shuttle docking port on the now-decommissioned space station Mir // Photo via the CSA
Over 15 metres long and built of titanium and stainless steel, Canadarm was a robotic arm created to manoeuvre and install objects in space. It was commissioned to support the US’s Space Shuttle program and was used on 90 flights over the next 30 years. The arm was a marvel of modern mechanics, and subsequently inspired the creation of a similar yet even more sophisticated system, Canadarm2, to support operations aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This iteration of the robot arm is an icon of Canadian scientific achievement most of us carry with us everyday, in the form of the $5 bill that memorializes it.
CSA astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield unveils the $5 banknote, which features Canadarm2 and other Canadian space inventions, from aboard the ISS in 2013 // Photo via CBC
With the success of the first Canadarm, the possibility of a Canadian in space became more real than ever. In 1983, the first six Canadian astronauts were selected out of 4000 applicants. This cohort included Marc Garneau, an engineer from Quebec City who in October 1984 became the first Canadian to travel to space. Shortly after, in 1986, Canada committed to becoming a full partner of the International Space Station program, then in early planning stages. With a strong foundation laid, the CSA was officially established to support Canadian activities in space.
CSA headquarters: the John H. Chapman Space Centre in Longueuil, Quebec // Photo via the CSA
Also in the first group of Canadian astronauts was Dr. Roberta Bondar, a University of Toronto (U of T) alumna who became the first Canadian woman, and second Canadian, to fly into space in January 1992. Dr. Bondar received a PhD in neurobiology from U of T Mississauga (then Erindale College) in 1974. During her flight aboard the Discovery space shuttle, she orbited the Earth a whopping 129 times. Both on and off the Earth, she conducted experiments on the effects of microgravity on the body, particularly the brain. Research like Dr. Bondar’s is vital to understand the impacts of spaceflight on humans and, perhaps someday, to design safe extraterrestrial space stations and colonies.
Dr. Roberta Bondar, first Canadian woman in space and U of T Mississauga alumna // Photo via NASA
The U of T representation continued with the second cohort of CSA astronauts, which included engineering alumna Julie Payette (MASc, 1990). Having dreamed of becoming an astronaut, Ms. Payette arrived at U of T with the mission of gaining the degree and skills that would help her fulfil her goal. In 1999, she became the first Canadian aboard the newly-formed ISS. After retiring from the CSA, she was sworn in as the 29th Governor General of Canada in 2017.
Julie Payette with mission commander Kent V. Rominger during STS-96, a mission to prepare the ISS for human occupancy // Photo via NASA
Another astronaut chosen in the second campaign went on to become perhaps the most recognizable face in Canadian space science. Colonel Chris Hadfield is known for many things: performing the first spacewalk by a Canadian, being the first Canadian Commander of the ISS, and authoring five books, including a collection of stunning photographs of Earth from the ISS. During his time in space, he cultivated an active social media presence and frequently posted photos and videos about life aboard the ISS. However, many people know him from his music video—the first to be recorded in space—covering David Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’ aboard the ISS. Soon after its release, the video was taken down thanks to the unprecedented issue of copyright in space. There’s a first time for everything, right? Bowie himself was a fan of the cover, calling it “the most poignant version of the song ever created.” With the Starman’s approval, the video was re-uploaded to YouTube, where it has since gained over 53 million views. In 2015, Col. Hadfield released an album of songs recorded on the ISS, titled Space Sessions: Songs From a Tin Can.
Col. Hadfield’s music and social media posts illustrate a crucial duty carried out by astronauts of the CSA: facilitating science communication, and inspiring young Canadians to pursue STEM education. The four CSA astronauts on active duty, as well as scientific experts from the agency, frequently attend outreach events and visit classrooms across Canada to explain what they do and encourage students to work towards a career in science. They engage youth at all levels to spark wonder and motivation in the next generation of space scientists and explorers.
Colonel Chris Hadfield juggles tomatoes in zero gravity. In the 166 days he has spent in space, Col. Hadfield became known for his social media posts depicting the quirks and daily routine of life on the ISS // Photo via NASA
Indeed, space exploration represents all that humanity can accomplish at its best, when it is collaborative, scientifically advanced, and driven by the desire to satisfy its curiosity of the vast unknown that is the cosmos. Canada continues to make vital contributions to the discovery of that unknown, delivering cutting-edge instruments to NASA’s rovers exploring Martian landscapes, the Plack Space Telescope studying the age of the universe, the James Webb Space Telescope examining the atmosphere of distant planets and searching for signs of extraterrestrial life, as well as many more ambitious missions far beyond our world.
Most recently, the CSA and NASA announced that the Artemis II mission will put the first Canadian in orbit around the Moon. Astronaut Jeremy Hansen has been chosen as the CSA representative on this mission, which is slated for launch no earlier than November 2024. It comes after last year’s success with Artemis I, an uncrewed flight that tested the abilities of the spacecraft and rocket to be used for subsequent missions. This is all part of a larger program to once again land humans on the lunar surface. The ambition doesn’t end there: ultimately, the goal is to establish a space station that will orbit the Moon. This Lunar Gateway will be a major collaborative effort involving the American, Canadian, Russian, European, and Japanese space agencies, and will hopefully serve not only as a headquarters for future lunar missions but also a pit stop for missions to Mars and beyond. For its contribution, the CSA will design and deliver the newest version of its ingenious robotic arm, Canadarm3, for use aboard the Lunar Gateway by 2028.
CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen (far right) will become the first Canadian to orbit the Moon with his Artemis II crewmates and NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (far left), Victor Glover, and Christina Koch // Photo via NASA
What remains to be done? As of 2023, the CSA still does not have its own launcher, and currently relies on facilities in the United States, India, and Russia to launch its spacecraft. Though the CSA has previously considered locations in Nova Scotia and Manitoba to establish launch sites, no development projects have been announced. Attaining sovereign launch capability is crucial for any country to become a major player in space exploration, as it reduces dependence on other nations to send spacecraft and research equipment into orbit. With a launch facility of its own, Canada will be able to take the next step to advance its status and scientific research beyond this planet.
Jeremy Hansen and fellow CSA astronaut Jennifer Sidey-Gibbons, along with NASA’s Christina Koch, visit Innu students in Newfoundland and Labrador // Photo via the CSA
Nevertheless, Canada’s space program has come a long way from its days of designing small components of American spacecraft. Now an established and accomplished force in space exploration, it is a source of pride for Canadians everywhere and inspires young people to dream of the impossible. After all, the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.
