The Canadian Space Agency Awards 18.1 Million in Contracts to Three Canadian Firms
St Hubert, Quebec, June 9, 2000 – John Manley, Minister of Industry and
Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency, and the Honourable
Alfonso Gagliano, Minister of Public Works and Government Services,
announced today the awarding of $18.1 million in contracts to three Canadian
firms involved in advanced technology and multimedia training as part of
Canada’s contribution to the International Space Station (ISS).
The contracts will directly create 48 specialized jobs in engineering and
high-tech educational software development. These will help train the
astronauts and mission controllers who will provide support for the Canadian
Mobile Servicing System. This system is the new generation of the CANADARM.
“The awarding of these contracts is an important element of Canada’s
contribution to the International Space Station project and helps Canada
maintain the enviable position it has carved for itself as a world aerospace
leader. In particular, they enhance Canada’s expertise in robotics and
international calibre training,” said Minister Manley. “By reinvesting over
75% of its budget in the Canadian industry, the Canadian Space Agency is
helping to develop windows of opportunity in the new economy and promoting
the creation of cutting-edge jobs in Canada.”
“I am very pleased to announce the awarding of these contracts. They will be
a major source of jobs. These firms will also provide highly specialized
services, which will help the Canadian Space Agency lend its support to the
International Space Station Program on Canada’s behalf,” said Minister
Gagliano.
Tecsult Eduplus in Montreal, Quebec, landed a contract to design and develop
a training program and simulator, as well as virtual reality-based
multimedia learning software. This $4.5 million contract will create 12 jobs
until the completion of International Space Station assembly work, slated
for early 2005. The Tecsult Eduplus training program will be used to train
International Space Station astronauts, cosmonauts and mission controllers.
The firm also has a contract to design and produce computer-based
materials-graphics, animation and simulators-for use in International Space
Station engineering projects. This second contract valued at $2.1 million
will create six jobs.
Three contracts totalling $6.3 million were awarded to Barada Consulting in
Verdun, Quebec, to provide support for Mobile Servicing System Operations
Centre activities at the Canadian Space Agency headquarters in St Hubert.
These contracts will create 18 jobs related to the training of astronauts
and controllers, as well as logistical and engineering support to maintain
the International Space Station.
Calian in Kanata, Ontario, was awarded a $5.2 million contract to set up a
12-person team, which will be part of the support group for the in-orbit
operations of the International Space Station’s Mobile Servicing System.
These specialists will plan robot operations, which they will monitor in
space in real time. Of the $1.4 billion in revenues generated each year by
the Canadian space industry, 45% comes from exports, the highest percentage
among G-7 countries.
Founded in 1989 and established in St Hubert, Quebec, the Canadian Space
Agency co-ordinates all aspects of the Canadian Space Program and
administers five major sectors: Earth and Environment, Space Science, Human
Presence in Space, Satellite Communications and Generic/Enabling Space
Technologies. The Canadian Space Agency is committed to leading the
development and application of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians
and humanity.
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For additional information:
Caroline Lavallée
Senior Communications Officer
Canadian Space Agency
E-mail: caroline.lavallee@espace.gc.ca
Tel: (450) 926-4370
