The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has awarded five contracts to Canadian industry to perform feasibility studies on five potential future microsatellite missions.

These proposed missions would address Canada's domestic needs in security, health, forest fire surveillance, weather surveillance and water quality monitoring. As well, the missions would allow the Canadian space sector to advance industrial capabilities in microsatellite technology, especially in mission development, and advanced optical and communications payloads.

These studies will investigate whether the five concepts are technically viable and suitable for the use of a microsatellite platform.

The feasibility studies results will be validated in close collaboration with government departments that use the space data and services. This includes the selection of a microsatellite project ready for flight starting in 2020, with the intention to launch a microsatellite mission every two years thereafter.

The microsatellite missions are aligned with the principles of Canada's Space Policy Framework, which charts a course for our future in space by ensuring Canada remains a global leader in important areas of space technology and innovation.

Quick facts
+ The contracts were awarded following a Request for Proposal issued in November 2013. The CSA received 11 proposals from industry and universities.

+ The total value of the five contracts to Canada's space industry is $2.3 million over two years.

+ Microsatellites are lower in cost and require a shorter implementation schedule than larger satellites.

+ The CSA is collaborating on these feasibility studies with Environment Canada, National Resources Canada, Parks Canada, Department of National Defence, Public Health Agency of Canada, Communications Security Establishment Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

+ The microsatellite missions are aligned with the principles of Canada's Space Policy Framework in putting Canadian interests first and promoting Canadian innovation.