Microsatellite Science and Technology Centre (MSTC)

University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
What the facility does

Develops and builds pioneering 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. 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.

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 testing
  • 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
EquipmentFunction
Thermal 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 chamberTests electromagnetic compatibility and antennas.
Clean roomFinal spacecraft integration and functional testing.
General lab areaOffers assembly and equipment testing for electronics, wiring harnesses, and mechanical integration.
Mission control centreCommission and operate satellites using ground stations around the world.
Computing facilityAnalyze, simulate and design satellites and satellite subsystems.
  • 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)
TitleURL
The benefits of a ‘teaching hospital’ approach to educationhttps://universityaffairs.ca/opinion/the-benefits-of-a-teaching-hospital-approach-to-education/
BRITE Constellation Mission Team Receives CASI 2024 Alouette Awardhttps://spaceq.ca/brite-constellation-mission-team-receives-casi-2024-alouette-award/
Information on the Space Flight Laboratory (SFL)’s current and completed missionshttps://www.utias-sfl.net/missions/