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CSA Awards 6 Lunar Science Instruments Study Contracts

By Doug Messier
Parabolic Arc
November 29, 2020
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The Moon as viewed by NASA’s Mariner 10 in 1973, well before research would find signs of rust on the airless surface. (Credits: NASA/JPL/Northwestern University)

LONGUEIUL, Quebec (CSA PR) — The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is preparing Canada’s space community and collaborating sectors – including Canadian companies, universities, research institutions, and other organizations – for potential roles in the long-term exploration of the Moon. The Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program (LEAP) was created to provide a wide range of opportunities for Canadian science and technology activities in lunar orbit, on the Moon’s surface, and beyond.

In November 2020, following a request for proposals issued in summer 2020, the CSA awarded six contracts totalling $2.9 million [US $2.2 million] for the development of potential Canadian lunar science instruments under LEAP. The list of contracts awarded, including organizations, contract values and proposal title, is presented below.

OrganizationContract ValueProposal
Canadensys Aerospace Corporation
Bolton, Ontario
$300,000 [US $230,849]Canadian Lunar Frozen Regolith Observation and Science Tools (FROST) suite
Canadensys Aerospace Corporation
Bolton, Ontario
$300,000
[US $230,849]
Lunar Exploration Agriculture Feasibility (LEAF)
University of Winnipeg
Winnipeg, Manitoba
$497,349
[US $382,709]
LunaR: A versatile Raman Spectrometer for Lunar Exploration
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
$599,967
[US $461,673]
Lunar Lander Sweeping Energetic Particle Telescope (LL-SWEPT)
Mission Control Space Services
Ottawa, Ontario
$600,000 [US $461,698]Intelligent Sensing and Perception in Infrared (I-SPI)
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates
Brampton, Ontario
$600,000
[US $461,698]
Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (Lunar APXS)

LEAP aims to foster innovation in areas of strength for Canada, like artificial intelligence, robotics, science and health. It will support the commercialization of innovative ideas from Canadian industry, including small and medium-sized businesses, in order to help them become an integral part of the growing new-space economy. The scientific and technological advancements stemming from LEAP are expected to generate tangible benefits for Canadians in their everyday lives.

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