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PDF version of COSPAR - Space Science Research in Canada Report

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This is a science-driven strategy focused on search<strong>in</strong>g for answers t<strong>of</strong>undamental questions to <strong>in</strong>crease human knowledge. The questions dealt with<strong>in</strong>clude the:• orig<strong>in</strong> and evolution <strong>of</strong> the solar system andthe universe;• orig<strong>in</strong> and evolution <strong>of</strong> life on Earth, andwhether it exists elsewhere;• relationship between the sun and the Earth;• existence <strong>of</strong> planets around other stars; and• the nature <strong>of</strong> the space environment itself, particularly the unique feature<strong>of</strong> microgravity and its effects on humans, other life forms and materials.These issues engage scientists across a very broad range <strong>of</strong> discipl<strong>in</strong>es—physics, astronomy, geology, biology, chemistry, psychology and medic<strong>in</strong>e—andresult <strong>in</strong> projects that foster multidiscipl<strong>in</strong>ary collaboration, both with<strong>in</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>and <strong>in</strong>ternationally.International co-operation has always been an essential element <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>’sprogram. Lack<strong>in</strong>g its own launch capability or the funds required to mount largemissions on its own, <strong>Canada</strong> has always leveraged its specialized scientific andtechnological skills <strong>in</strong> niche areas to obta<strong>in</strong> flight opportunities and to ga<strong>in</strong> accessto scientific data through <strong>in</strong>ternational programs. One example was provid<strong>in</strong>grobotic manipulators for the <strong>Space</strong> Shuttle and the International <strong>Space</strong> Station,which resulted <strong>in</strong> Shuttle flights for Canadian astronauts as well as access to theboth the Shuttle and the Station for Canadian scientific <strong>in</strong>vestigators to conductexperiments. Similarly, the provision <strong>of</strong> a meteorological station has boughtCanadian scientists a ticket to Mars on NASA’s Phoenix mission.<strong>Canada</strong> views its participation <strong>in</strong> <strong>Space</strong> <strong>Science</strong> and Exploration activities as an<strong>in</strong>vestment that produces many tangible benefits on Earth. They enhance thescientific and technological skills <strong>of</strong> Canadians, as well as their ability to compete<strong>in</strong> an <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly knowledge-based economy. They also generate sp<strong>in</strong>-<strong>of</strong>ftechnological and economic benefits, and <strong>in</strong>spire young people to pursueadvanced education and careers <strong>in</strong> science and technology.PartnershipsEstablish<strong>in</strong>g effective partnerships with federal, prov<strong>in</strong>cial and territorialgovernment departments and agencies, the academic community, Canadian<strong>in</strong>dustry, and <strong>in</strong>ternational organizations is essential to achieve CSA’s goal <strong>of</strong>mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Canada</strong> a world leader <strong>in</strong> space science and technology.8

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