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. 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.
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.
- 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
| Specialized lab | Equipment | Function |
|---|---|---|
| MSTC | 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 | For testing electromagnetic compatibility, antenna testing. | |
| Clean room | For final spacecraft integration and functional test | |
| General lab area | With assembly and test equipment for electronics, wiring harnesses, mechanical integration. | |
| Mission control centre | For commissioning and operating satellites using ground stations around the world. | |
| Computing facility | For analysis, simulation and design of satellites and satellite subsystems. |
Private and public sector research partners
- 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)
Additional information
| Title | URL |
|---|---|
| Various news articles (as listed on specified web page) | http://utias-sfl.net/?page_id=277 |