Microsatellite Science and Technology Centre

University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
What the facility does

Next generation nano-, micro- and small satellites

Areas of expertise

The Microsatellite Science and Technology Centre (MSTC) is operated by the Space Flight Laboratory (SFL), Canada's premier microspace organization.  At the MSTC, SFL develops and builds low-cost satellites that continually push the performance envelope.   Missions are typically developed with stringent attitude control and high-volume data requirements that are striking relative to the budget available.  At the end of 2014, SFL celebrated having 12 operational cutting-edge satellites in orbit, including: MOST, CanX-2, NTS, AISSat-1, AISSat-2, BRITE-Constellation space astronomy satellites, and the highly successful formation flying pair, CanX-4 and CanX-5.  Additional satellites ranging from 3.5 to 80 kilograms include EV9, AISSat-3, NORSAT-1, GHGSat-D, NEMO-AM, CanX-7, M3MSat, and the next generation Earth observation satellite, NEMO-HD.  SFL arranges the launches globally, through its NLS program, provides customizable XPOD dispensers, and maintains a mission control centre networking multiple ground stations worldwide. The MSTC is a world-class facility that can meet all of your needs for low-cost, rapidly developed and complete satellite missions - from concept to on-orbit operations.

Research services

Space mission analysis and design, systems engineering, structural analysis and design, thermal analysis and design, attitude control systems development, command and data handling systems, power systems analysis and design, telemetry and command systems (communications, radios, antennas, ground segment), propulsion system development, payload development, optical payloads, spacecraft assembly, integration and test, spacecraft environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, electromagnetic compatibility), mission control, commissioning and operating satellites.

Sectors of application
  • Aerospace and satellites
  • Defence and security industries
  • Environmental technologies and related services
  • Fisheries and aquaculture
  • Forestry and forest-based industries
  • Information and communication technologies and media
  • Mining, minerals and metals
  • Ocean industries
Specialized labEquipmentFunction
MSTCThermal vacuum chamberEmulates space environment for final spacecraft acceptance testing in a vacuum with representative radiative cooling and heating
 Vibration tableEmulates launch loads for shake testing spacecraft prior to launch.
 Anechoic chamberFor testing electromagnetic compatibility, antenna testing.
 Clean roomFor final spacecraft integration and functional test
 General lab areaWith assembly and test equipment for electronics, wiring harnesses, mechanical integration.
 Mission control centreFor commissioning and operating satellites using ground stations around the world.
 Computing facilityFor analysis, simulation and design of satellites and satellite subsystems.
  • Defence Research and Development Canada
  • Canadian Space Agency
  • COM Dev International Ltd.
  • exactEarth Ltd.
  • Norwegian Defence Research Establishment
  • Norwegian Space Centre
  • Sinclair Interplanetary
  • MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.
  • University of Vienna
  • Graz University of Technology
  • Polish Academy of Sciences
  • Ontario Centres of Excellence
  • University of Calgary
  • Magellan Aerospace Corporation
  • GHGSat Inc.
  • Xiphos Technologies (Xiphos Systems Corporation)
  • University of Winnipeg
  • York University
  • University of New Brunswick
  • University of Lethbridge
  • University of Waterloo
  • Indian Space Research Organisation
  • Royal Military College
  • Slovenian Centre of Excellence for Space Sciences and Technologies (SPACE-SI)
  • Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos)
TitleURL
Various news articles (as listed on specified web page)http://utias-sfl.net/?page_id=277