Canada enters space race

[alokmohan]

Last month, more than 100 of Canada's top astronomical minds met at the Canadian Space Agency headquarters in Montreal to generate possible mission concepts for the next 2 decades. The first Canadian Space Astronomy Workshop looked at how the nation can play a more visible role in the next generation of space-based astronomical platforms. The 2-day brainstorming session resulted in a mixed bag of missions that includes giant orbiting observatories and planetary probes. <br /><br />Known for partnering on many key international space projects, Canada is now studying the possibility of leading its own flagship missions. "Our mission wish list is really all about answering the most fundamental questions about the origin of life and the birth of our universe, going from the smallest to the biggest," says Rene Doyon, chair of the workshop and astronomy professor at the Université de Montréal.<br /><br />High on the list are giant, Hubble-class space telescopes capable of seeing the universe in the ultraviolet part of the spectrum. Such detectors need to be space-based because Earth's atmosphere blocks these wavelengths. While NASA's Hubble and Europe's upcoming Herschel telescopes have UV capabilities, once these go dark, probably early next decade, astronomers will lose this window on the universe. <br /> <br /> <br />Hubble's WFPC2 imaged Saturn and its rings in ultraviolet in March/April 2003. Canadian astronomers may consider building a replacement space telescope that can image in the ultraviolet. NASA and E. Karkoschka (University of Arizona) [larger image] <br />Scientists are also looking at planetary orbiters and landers. Phobos, Mars' largest moon, was one target singled out at the workshop. Phobos represents an exciting place for space scientists because it has remained largely unexplored — and it has potential for future manned missions. <br /><br />Meanwhile, NASA's ongoing push to return to the Moon by 2020 could see Canada contribute a sample-return mission. Somet

 

[docm]

And in the midst of all those positive images is the reality that the Canadian government just stiffed the ESA by canceling their proposed ExoMars rover.<br /><br />http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2006/12/14/mars-rover.html<br /><br /><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr /><p><b>Ottawa won't back Canadian-built Mars rover</b><br /><br />December 14, 2006<br /><br />The federal government has turned down a request by Canada's space industry to support a contract that would have allowed the companies to build the European Space Agency's Mars surface rover, CBC News has learned.<br /><br />The decision stunned the companies and has left the ESA scrambling to find a new partner, as no European firm is adequately prepared to match the technical abilities of Canadian firms to build its ExoMars rover.<br /><br />The ESA wanted Canadian space companies — considered world leaders in robotics — to build the rover for its planned exploration of Mars by 2015. The rover would have a far more sophisticated robotics package than the current U.S. platforms in use.<br /><br />In July, the companies made an impassioned presentation to federal Industry Ministry officials for a clearer mandate for the Canadian Space Agency, which included making the Mars rover project its top priority, the CBC's Henry Champ reported on Thursday.<br /><br />The project required no additional funding from Ottawa, but was contingent upon $100 million over 10 years from the existing CSA budget being redirected to the program by restructuring priorities and cancelling or postponing other projects, according to documents obtained by the CBC.<br /> /><p><hr /></p></p></blockquote> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[davf]

I nearly cried when I saw this.

 

[solarspot]

Isn't there a way for this mission to be completed without the finantial involvment of the Canadian gov't?? It'd be horrible to see this mission go down just because the Conservatives don't want to fund something...