UPDATED: Canadian Industry Minister Unveils Extensive Space Exploration Program

Canada May Be Announcing Ambitious Space Exploration Program Today

Ottawa, Canada – As early as today, James Moore, the nation’s Industry Minister, may lay out an ambitious space exploration program that may entail a lunar trip.

The press conference will feature Moore alongside Walter Natynczyk, president of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and astronauts David Saint-Jacques and Jeremy Hansen.

The latest announcement would mark a strong departure from the steady decline in funding for the country’s space program. Perhaps former US President John F. Kennedy put it best when he said that a nation that is not exploring is a nation in decline.

It is already known that the United States has formally invited Canada to participate in the NASA-led 2018 Resource Prospector Mission. Canadian firm Deltion Innovations Ltd is already tasked with designing the drill that will be used in the lunar mining mission which if successful will open an era of mining operations on both the moon and asteroids.

There have been rumors that Canada may take part in a moon landing in the 14 nation Global Exploration Roadmap which will put a man on the moon for the first time in decades. Moore’s new vision for Canada will largely be to take part in multi-national space efforts.

Here’s the official press release:

February 7, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Space Agency

Industry Minister James Moore and Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Walter Natynczyk joined Canadian astronauts Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques today at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa to unveil the framework for Canada’s future in Space. This framework will serve as a guide for Canada’s strategic activities and future in space, ensuring a strong and commercially competitive space industry that will continue to inspire Canadians for years to come.

Canada’s Space Policy Framework builds on the tremendous success of astronaut Chris Hadfield, who became the first ever Canadian to take command of the International Space Station (ISS).

This plan builds on that mission, with the aim of inspiring a future generation of Canadians interested in space. It is based on 5 principles for the future:

1. Canada First: our sovereignty, security and prosperity will be at the heart of Canada’s activities in Space.
2. Using space to strengthen our economy: by supporting Canada’s space industry to bring to market cutting-edge technologies that promote jobs and growth.
3. Working together globally: by partnering with other countries on major space projects like Canada’s continued commitment to the ISS
4. Promoting Canadian innovation: by investing in proven Canadian strengths, like robotics in the Canadarm2 and optics in the development of the James Webb Space Telescope.
5. Inspiring Canadians: by building on our success and inspiring a future generation of Canadians interested in pursuing a career in space and its related disciplines.

Minister Moore also announced Canada’s continued support in the James Webb Telescope project, the next-generation space observatory, and the most powerful space telescope ever. The government remains a proud partner in this ongoing international project. Canada’s continued participation will benefit industry, the academic community, and all Canadians. The telescope will study every phase in the history of our Universe, ranging from the first luminous glows after the Big Bang, to the formation of solar systems capable of supporting life on planets like Earth, to the evolution of our own Solar System.

Quick facts

• During Chris Hadfield’s mission in 2013, over 100 scientific experiments were conducted on the International Space Station, all while bringing to earth, through social media, the wonders of living and working in space.
• In 2012, the Canadian space sector generated total revenues of $3.327 billion to our economy.
• Canada’s space industry employs some 8,000 highly skilled men and women.
• Over the last five years, total revenues generated by the Canadian space sector have increased by 19% or $533 million.
• Canada’s Space Policy Framework is part of the Government’s response to recommendations put forth in the Review of Aerospace and Space Programs and Policies, led by The Honourable David L. Emerson.

On The Web:
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Industry+Minister+James+Moore+announcement+signal+liftoff/9478211/story.html