Develops and builds pioneering next generation nano-, micro- and small satellites.
The Microsatellite Science and Technology Centre (MSTC) is operated by the Space Flight Laboratory (SFL), Canada's premier microspace organization. The facility develops and builds pioneering 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. SFL has more than 360 years of cumulative on-orbit success with 90 satellites launched, many of which have greatly exceeded their design lifetimes and outperformed requirements. SFL arranges launches globally, through its Next-Generation Launch Service, 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 needs for low-cost, rapidly developed and complete satellite missions, from concept to on-orbit operations. The facility combines “on-demand” innovation with robust and reliable spacecraft design, a unique combination that enables the delivery of state of the art small spacecraft missions at home and internationally through collaboration.
- 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 testing
- Spacecraft environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, electromagnetic compatibility)
- Mission control, commissioning and operating satellites
- 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 labs and equipment
Equipment | Function |
---|---|
Thermal vacuum chamber | Emulates space environment for final spacecraft acceptance testing in a vacuum with representative radiative cooling and heating. |
Vibration table | Emulates launch loads for shake testing spacecraft prior to launch. |
Anechoic chamber | Tests electromagnetic compatibility and antennas. |
Clean room | Final spacecraft integration and functional testing. |
General lab area | Offers assembly and equipment testing for electronics, wiring harnesses, and mechanical integration. |
Mission control centre | Commission and operate satellites using ground stations around the world. |
Computing facility | Analyze, simulate and design satellites and satellite subsystems. |
Private and public sector research partners
- NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
- University of Arizona
- Western University
- University of Alberta
- NUVIEW Inc.
- HawkEye 360 Inc.
- European Space Agency (ESA)
- Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)
- Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
- COM Dev International Ltd.
- exactEarth Ltd.
- Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI)
- Norwegian Space Agency (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 (ISRO)
- Royal Military College of Canada
- Slovenian Centre of Excellence for Space Sciences and Technologies (SPACE-SI)
- Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos)
Additional information
Title | URL |
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The benefits of a ‘teaching hospital’ approach to education | https://universityaffairs.ca/opinion/the-benefits-of-a-teaching-hospital-approach-to-education/ |
BRITE Constellation Mission Team Receives CASI 2024 Alouette Award | https://spaceq.ca/brite-constellation-mission-team-receives-casi-2024-alouette-award/ |
Information on the Space Flight Laboratory (SFL)’s current and completed missions | https://www.utias-sfl.net/missions/ |