Canada funds space nuclear power, laser beaming and electric propulsion

(SpaceEnergy) The Canadian Space Agency has awarded C$2.71 million across four space power and propulsion projects, covering radioisotope electricity generation, lunar heating, laser energy transmission and electric thrusters.

The awards form part of a C$11.1 million funding package for 16 projects involving 15 Canadian companies, announced on 14 October under the agency's Space Technology Development Program.

Toronto-based CSMC Nuclear has received C$350,000 for Khyber, a radioisotope power system intended to provide electricity for long-duration space missions. The project will advance conceptual design, including requirements for future lunar vehicles such as Canada's proposed Lunar Utility Vehicle.

Canadensys Aerospace has been awarded C$499,997 to develop a tritium-based radioisotope heater unit capable of keeping spacecraft batteries and electronics warm during the approximately 14-day lunar night.

Unlike an electricity-generating radioisotope power system, the heater would supply thermal energy directly from radioactive decay.

NordSpace has secured C$1 million to advance its Zephyr-200 electric propulsion system for small satellites from a laboratory prototype towards a fully tested model. The system is intended to support orbital manoeuvres, collision avoidance and end-of-life disposal, with flexibility to use different propellants.

Montreal-based Volta Space Technologies has received C$861,858 for its Distributed Optical Utility Backbone for Lunar Exploration project.

The system aims to transmit electrical power and communications data wirelessly using lasers, with a future lunar exploration partner expected to participate in technology demonstration activities.

The contributions are non-repayable and can cover up to 75% of eligible project costs.

The funding establishes new development support but does not constitute flight qualification or operational demonstration of any of the four technologies.