Overview
The Canadian Space Agency contributes to international space programmes through niche technological excellence, most famously the Canadarm robotic arm systems that have been indispensable to both the Space Shuttle and ISS. Canada's RADARSAT constellation provides critical synthetic aperture radar (SAR) coverage of the Arctic — vital for monitoring ice, shipping routes and sovereignty in northern waters.
Canada is a key Artemis programme partner, contributing the Canadarm3 robotic system to the Lunar Gateway station. In return, a Canadian astronaut will fly on Artemis II — the first crewed mission around the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972.
Quick Facts
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Canadian Space Agency |
| Abbreviation | CSA |
| Country | Canada |
| Headquarters | Longueuil, Quebec, Canada |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Head | Lisa Campbell (President) |
| Budget | ~C$0.43B (2025) |
| Staff | ~670 |
| Crewed Capability | No (astronauts fly on partner vehicles) |
| Website | www.asc-csa.gc.ca |
Key Programmes
Canadarm3 / Lunar Gateway
Canada's contribution to the Artemis programme — an AI-enabled robotic arm for the Lunar Gateway station.
RADARSAT Constellation
Three SAR satellites monitoring Canada's Arctic territory, maritime domain awareness and disaster response.
ISS Canadarm2
The 17-metre robotic arm essential for ISS assembly, maintenance and spacecraft berthing.
Artemis II Participation
Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen will fly on Artemis II — making Canada the second country to send an astronaut beyond low Earth orbit.