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Section 2: Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

2.1 Canadian Space Agency Strategic Outcome

All CSA Program Activities contribute to a single strategic outcome: Canada's exploration of space, provision of space services and development of its space capacity meet the nation's needs for scientific knowledge, innovation and information.

Strategic Outcome Measurement Challenges

The CSA faces the considerable challenge of having to assess the benefits expected by Canadians from its science and technology investments. Since the CSA works jointly with other government departments, Canadian academia and space industry, the performance measurement of space knowledge and technology development requires the participation of all partners. This task is especially challenging. The links between inputs, activities, outputs and the impact of any science and technology program are difficult to establish because the occurrence of spin-offs becomes observable and measurable¹, only over a long period. In the past, the CSA has periodically conducted surveys to capture such specific information about space science and technology and is well aware that this approach was not optimally efficient.

In order to improve its approach, the CSA intends to actively participate in the effort deployed by departments and agencies under the Federal Science and Technology Integration Board. Participation in such initiative can contribute to a better alignment between the measurement, reporting and evaluation of federal-sponsored S&T activities and, therefore, convey the generated outcomes to Canadians more appropriately. In doing so, the progress made towards the strategic outcome will be monitored through short, medium- and long-term advancements linked to intermediate measures instead of specific targets.

The strategic outcome will be measured based on three indicators:

1. Depth and width increase of needed scientific knowledge: The CSA already conducts in-house measurement of certain inputs such as the number of publications produced. To hone its approach, the CSA is considering the establishment of a bibliometric system which will list the number of publications, citations and type of audiences associated with the fields of knowledge that are priorities for Other Government Departments (OGDs).

2. Space generated innovation index: Government of Canada and private sector organizations collect and publish a large amount of aggregate information on innovation. The CSA must be able to report satisfactorily on the impact of its programs on Canadian innovation. The CSA intends to draw from the performance measurement methods developed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), building on the partnership created since 2006 between the CSA and others members of the OECD Space Forum.

3. Acknowledgement/success stories by OGDs of impact on mandate delivery: The measurement of this indicator relies on the capability of the OGDs to systematically acknowledge the benefits obtained from applications developed with the support of the CSA. Longitudinal information will be collected jointly with the OGDs in order to analyse the impact of the support provided by the CSA on the delivery of their programs.

¹ CSA: Government of Canada (2010). Improving the Measurement, Reporting and Assessment of Federally Performed Science and Technology

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2.2 Program Activities

Description: This Program Activity includes the provision of space-based solutions (data, information and services) and the expansion of their utilization. It also serves to install and run ground infrastructure that processes the data and operates satellites. This Program Activity utilizes space-based solutions assist Other Government Departments (OGDs) in delivering growing, diversified or cost-effective programs and services within their mandate, which is related to key national priorities, such as sovereignty, defence, safety and security, resource management, environmental monitoring and the North. It also provides academia with data required to perform its own research.

The services delivered through this Program Activity are rendered, and the data and information are generated and processed, with the participation of the Canadian space industry, academia, other government departments, national and international organizations, such as foreign space agencies, not-for-profit organizations, as well as provincial and municipal governments. This collaborative effort is formalized under national and international partnership agreements, contracts, grants or contributions.

SPACE DATA, INFORMATION AND SERVICES PROGRAM ACTIVITY PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT
Expected Result #1	Performance Indicators
User Other Government Departments (OGDs) offer more diversified or cost-effective programs and services due to their utilization of space-based solutions.	1. Number of OGDs' programs serviced by space data/services that are outlined in reports to parliament (RPP, DPR) of such users. 2. Degree of appreciation expressed by the OGDs through formal and informal structures.
Planning and Reporting Continuity: RPP 2010-2011 and DPR 2009-2010: http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/asc/eng/resources/publications/default.asp#parliament

Resources	2011-2012	2012-2013	2013-2014
Financial ($ in millions)	136.6	159.6	108.0
Human (FTEs)	103.7	103.7	103.7

Summary of Planning Highlights for Space Data, Information and Services

• The CSA will continue to develop the RADARSAT Constellation mission (RCM). This project will enhance Canada's ability to use radar imagery for operational maritime surveillance, disaster management and ecosystem monitoring and will support the strategic objectives of Canada on security and sovereignty, particularly in the Arctic. The critical design phase of the RCM, initiated in March 2010, will continue with planned completion by July 2012. The launch of the first satellite is planned during the 2014-2015 fiscal year, followed by the second and third satellite launches during the 2015-2016 fiscal year.
  
  
• Other government departments will continue to benefit from the many capabilities offered by RADARSAT-1 and 2 as new applications become operational. In particular, twelve new contracts were awarded following a call for proposals to industry for innovative application development for the benefit of the Government of Canada. The CSA will continue to operate RADARSAT-1 and Government Order Desk for RADARSAT-2. In addition, the CSA will continue to manage the RADARSAT-2 $445 million worth of prepaid data allocation to ensure that maximum benefits are realized, in accordance with the RADARSAT-2 Data Utilization Management Plan.
  
  
• The CSA will continue to support and participate in the operation and implementation of the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters by providing data and by-products from its RADARSAT satellites and data acquisition planning services.
  
  
• The CSA will complete the assessment of the requirements for Government of Canada users and will continue to develop the concept for the Polar Communications and Weather Satellite Mission as part of a joint study with Department of National Defence and Environment Canada that is expected to be completed by March 2011. The concept of the mission is to put two satellites in a highly elliptical orbit over the Northern Hemisphere to monitor weather and climate change, and provide communication services in the Arctic region.
  
  
• The CSA will continue to work towards the full utilization of the Government of Canada capacity credit for broadband telecommunications services in the North. Additional demonstrations of Ka-band technology will improve the use of the Anik F2 by northern communities for trials of innovative government services and in specific areas of interest to other government departments. With the ground segment upgrades completed, the next phase is the large scale deployment of the terminals for the operational phase. The planning for the remaining four years of the utilization phase is nearing completion. A call for applicants to potential end-users in the northern communities will be issued in the spring of 2011.
  
  
• The CSA and the Department of National Defence (DND) are partnering to manage the M3MSat micro-satellite project, which is based on an Automatic Identification System (AIS) payload. This project will demonstrate and further develop a multi-mission micro-satellite bus capability; will establish micro-satellites as operationally cost-effective; and, will allow optimization of the AIS payload in maritime traffic identification. It will complement the CSA's RADARSAT Constellation Mission and DND's Polar Epsilon program. Detailed design is being finalized and the manufacturing has begun. The launch is planned for July 2012 and the mission demonstration should end in 2014.
  
  
• The CSA, in collaboration with the European Space Agency, will support Canadian companies participating in the development of advanced Earth Observation space-borne instruments and the Global Navigation Satellite System. It allows our industry to access cutting-edge studies on new telecommunications services, develop new technologies, equipment and applications in multi-media, inter-satellite and mobile communications, and to demonstrate satellite-based communications services such as interactive communications services for remote communities and for disaster management.
  
  
• The CSA will continue to develop promising mission concepts for space-borne observations of atmospheric gases and aerosols in relation to climate and air quality. Their development will involve the Government of Canada and university scientists and will be used on foreign as well as Canadian spacecraft.
  
  
• The CSA will continue to support the implementation of international EO activities such as the Forest Carbon Tracking and the Caribbean Flood Project in collaboration with other space agencies.
  

Benefits for Canadians

Space assets produce many benefits for Canadians. More specifically, the following are a few examples of the positives impacts arising from synergistic collaboration between the CSA and other government departments.

The Department of National Defence is rapidly increasing its capacity to use space assets to deliver its mandate with the construction and operation of satellite data reception stations in Canada. The main objective is to use space capabilities to enhance the security and protection of Canadians, both at home and abroad.

Environment Canada is the largest user of satellite data within the Government of Canada. Space data is critical to the department's core mandate, including weather and air quality forecasting, environmental and ice monitoring, enforcement of environmental laws and regulations, climate change studies, and the science required to improve weather and environmental forecasts for Canadians.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is a key user and provider of space data within the Government of Canada as it is mandated under the Department of Natural Resources Act to 'promote the development and use of remote sensing technology'. In doing so, NRCan receives, uses, archives and disseminates satellite data. It uses space data to deliver its core mandate of mapping the Canadian landmass, managing natural resources, assessing natural hazards and maintaining the Canadian Spatial Reference System.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans uses space data and information to support safe navigation, maritime surveillance, and ocean science and observations. It relies on accurate and timely satellite imagery of ice, allowing the Canadian Coast Guard to direct icebreaking activities in a more efficient and effective way.

To learn more about Space Data, Information and Services Program Activity, go to: Section 2 of the "Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome — Detailed Information" posted on the Canadian Space Agency's website at:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/asc/eng/resources/publications/default.asp#parliament

To learn more about Earth observation, go to:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/asc/eng/satellites/default.asp?page=observation

To learn more about satellite communications, go to:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/asc/eng/satellites/default.asp

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Description: This Program Activity provides valuable Canadian science, signature technologies and qualified astronauts to international space exploration endeavours. This Program Activity contributes to the Government of Canada's Science and Technology Strategy. It could also generate spin-offs that contribute to a higher quality of life for Canadians and could foster nation-building. This Program Activity appeals to the science and technology communities and generates excitement within the population in general. It is targeted mostly towards Canadian academia and international space exploration partnerships. Canadian industry also benefits from the work generated within this Program Activity.

This Program Activity is delivered with the participation of foreign space agencies and Other Government Departments (OGDs). This collaborative effort is formalized under international partnership agreements, contracts, grants or contributions.

SPACE EXPLORATION PROGRAM ACTIVITY PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT
Expected Result #1	Performance Indicator
Expansion of scientific knowledge acquired through space exploration endeavours.	1. Number of peer-reviewed scientific publications, reports and conference proceedings using space exploration information and produced by researchers (sciences and technologies) in Canada.
Expected Result #2	Performance Indicator
Multiple use and applications of knowledge and know-how acquired through space exploration endeavours.	1. Number of terrestrial applications and of space re-utilization of knowledge and know-how acquired through space exploration endeavours.
Planning and Reporting Continuity: RPP 2010-2011 and DPR 2009-2010: http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/asc/eng/resources/publications/default.asp#parliament

Resources	2011-2012	2012-2013	2013-2014
Financial ($ in millions)	152.4	98.5	88.8
Human (FTEs)	189.1	189.1	189.1

Summary of Planning Highlights for Space Exploration

• The CSA will continue to support the International Space Station (ISS) assembly and maintenance operations and will initiate operational use of Dextre as a new element for making repairs to the ISS. In return, the CSA will continue to access on a long-term basis, the unique environment of the ISS as a platform for microgravity research in areas such as neuroscience, vascular studies and tree growth.
  
  
• The Canadian Astronaut Corps will adapt to the new reality of fewer flight opportunities as a result of the Shuttle retirement and will continue to use the expertise and skill set of flown astronauts to advance and position the Canadian Human Space flight program. Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield has been assigned to the second Canadian Long-Duration mission to the ISS and for two months, he will become the first Canadian to command the Station and its crew. Mr Hadfield will live and work on the ISS for six months from December 2012 to June 2013.
  
  
• The CSA will improve coordination of space research through its participation in international working groups. For example, through the International Space Life Sciences Working Group, CSA works with NASA, the European Space Agency, and Japanese, German, French and Italian space agencies to coordinate and collaborate on space life sciences and multinational, world-class scientific research conducted on the ISS. Proposals that were selected during the 2009 International Life Sciences Research Announcement will be developed for execution on the ISS during the 2012-2014 timeframe.
  
  
• The CSA will continue to participate actively in the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG). This group was created in 2007 to promote coordination of 14 space agencies with respect to the exploration of the Moon and Mars. In 2011, the ISECG will present the Global Exploration Roadmap for robotics and human exploration of the Moon, Mars and Asteroids to the heads of various space exploration programs including the CSA.
  
  
• The CSA will continue its international collaboration on important astronomy and planetary exploration missions, such as the development of key components of the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Mars Science Laboratory Mission, and ESA ExoMars.
  
  
• With the successful launch in May 2009 of ESA's Herschel and Plank space telescope, the CSA will continue to support the Canadian science teams involved in the operation and utilization of instruments aboard this space observatory to study how galaxies were formed in the early universe and how stars have been created since the dawn of time.
  
  

Canada's Economic Action Plan

With its Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada enhanced its vision of and commitment to world-class scientific research and leading-edge innovative technologies by allocating $110 million over three years to the CSA Stimulus initiative. The two main objectives are the preservation and growth of Canadian expertise and leadership in space robotics, and the increased readiness and credibility of Canada as a partner in future space robotics projects and general space exploration. In 2010-2011, all contracts under the Stimulus initiative on space will have been awarded. In 2011-2012, the CSA will continue to work with its industrial contracting teams to deliver the terrestrial prototypes of the next generation Canadarm and prototypes for different rovers and their associated technologies for the exploration of the Moon and Mars. Using the Exploration Core funding, the CSA will also issue contracts to develop scientific instruments and to support analogue mission deployments.

Benefits for Canadians

The International Space Station is an excellent example of mutually beneficial collaboration among space-faring countries. Through our contribution to specialized technologies, Canadian astronauts and scientists have special access to a unique microgravity laboratory for conducting scientific and engineering studies. These priority research areas have great potential for creating the new knowledge that will improve how we live, prosper and develop on our planet.

Space exploration and scientific and technological initiatives provide opportunities for Canada to take part in the exploration of Mars. Increasing our understanding of Mars would almost certainly increase our understanding of the Earth, especially about our atmosphere and magnetic field.

Complementing the scientific advancements stemming from planetary exploration, is the development of exploration vehicles and their associated robotic technologies challenges including the use, for example, of solar-powered electric propulsion, which, in turn, could lead the way to the spin-off commercialization of green technologies.

Space astronomy provides an additional platform for Canadian astronomers and space industry to build on existing strengths and achieve global levels of excellence. The James Web Space Telescope is a perfect example of this excellence in that Canada has contributed two very advanced instruments to this venture: the Fine Guiding System (FGS) and a Tunable Filter Imager (TFI).

To learn more about Space Exploration Program Activity, go to Section 2 of the "Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome — Detailed Information" posted on the Canadian Space Agency's website at:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/asc/eng/resources/publications/default.asp#parliament

To learn more about space science and exploration, go to:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/asc/eng/sciences/default.asp and,
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/asc/eng/exploration/default.asp

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Description: This Program Activity attracts, sustains and enhances the nation's critical mass of Canadian space specialists, fosters Canadian space innovation and know-how, and preserves the nation's space-related facilities capability. In doing so, it encourages private-public collaboration that requires a concerted approach to future space missions. This Program Activity secures the nation's strategic and ongoing presence in space in the future and preserves Canada's capability to deliver internationally renowned space assets for future generations. It is targeted at Canadian academia, industry and youth, as well as users of Canadian space solutions (Other Government Departments (OGDs) and international partners).

This Program Activity is conducted with the participation of funding agencies, OGDs along with government facilities and infrastructure, foreign space agencies, not-for-profit organizations and provincial governments. This collaborative effort is formalized under contracts, grants, contributions or national and international partnership agreements.

FUTURE CANADIAN SPACE CAPACITY PROGRAM ACTIVITY PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT
Expected Result #1	Performance Indicators
Canada has a space community (academia, industry and government) able to contribute to the sustained and strategic Canadian use of space.	1. Vitality index of the Canadian space community (academic, industrial and government communities in terms of highly qualified personnel, S&T investments and development facilities, university space-related programs and research facilities). 2. Degree of match between workforce supplied and space community (industry and government) workforce requirements.
Planning and Reporting Continuity: RPP 2010-2011 and DPR 2009-2010: http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/asc/eng/resources/publications/default.asp#parliament

Resources	2011-2012	2012-2013	2013-2014
Financial ($ in millions)	86.1	65.2	72.3
Human (FTEs)	121.5	121.5	121.5

Summary of Planning Highlights for Future Canadian Space Capacity

• The CSA will continue the solid relationships forged with other government departments, science centres and museums, youth and science associations, the private sector, as well as the education community across Canada through learning activities such as:
  
  
  • Professional development workshops for educators;
  • Partnered initiatives to expand student and educator access to the space science and technology community;
  • Space-focused learning materials and teaching modules for students at the elementary and secondary school levels; and,
  • Web-based learning products designed as extra-curricular activities for youth, students and families that facilitate a concrete understanding of abstract concepts and increase understanding of space science and technology at all levels.
  
  
  
• The CSA will provide support and training to scientists and engineers through two new initiatives: the selection and creation of research clusters and the selection of projects for flight on sub-orbital platforms, both through competitive announcements of opportunities.
  
  
• By using the Partnership Support Program and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's (NSERC) Collaborative R&D Program, the CSA and NSERC will continue to foster closer cooperation among industry, universities and government in space research and technology development.
  
  
• On the bases of the results for the CSA's long-term roadmaps' exercise for space technology development and depending on the requirements for future missions, the CSA will issue R&D contracts in areas that have been selected after consultation with government, industry and academia. The CSA will continue to ask industry and research organizations to work on designated priority technologies in order to mitigate risks associated technologies required for future missions of Canadian interest, and contribute to the enhancement of Canadian capabilities.
  
  
• Through partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), the CSA will continue to support the maturation and positioning of Canadian space technologies with respect to their potential use in future European Earth observation missions, Global Monitoring for Environment and Security, satellite telecommunications and navigation, as well as the participation of scientists in physical and life sciences space experiments.
  
  
• The David Florida Laboratory will continue to provide world-class, and cost-effective environmental space-qualification services for the assembly, integration and testing of spacecraft systems for CSA's programs, as well as for national and international clients. The CSA intends to make these facilities more accessible and available to academia and the Canadian space industry. This means that the David Florida Laboratory must remain a state-of-the-art so it can serve as critical enabler of space science and technology for the CSA.
  
  

Benefits for Canadians

Canada's future space capacity resides within academia, the space industry and government departments and agencies. By investing in programs that stimulate innovation within the space community and encouraging the competitiveness of our high-tech companies, the CSA contributes to the creation and sustainability of Canada's knowledge-based economy. However, it is important to note that the benefits arising from these investments will take a certain amount of time to materialize.

For example, the CSA's program, Space Expertise and Proficiency, promotes the education and training of the highly educated and highly skilled labour force of tomorrow. The CSA's program, Space Innovation and Market Access, promotes dynamic trade relationships with other nations, thereby increasing the ability of our Canadian companies to compete in the global marketplace on a medium- and long-term basis. There are significant economic advantages for Canada and quality-of-life benefits for Canadians in a constantly growing space industry, which currently has 200 organizations employing over 7,500 highly skilled engineers, scientists and researchers.

The CSA will also work at maintaining and developing the capacity and expertise of its scientific and technical staff by providing opportunities to contribute to leading-edge priority activities in cooperation with academia, industry and other government departments.

To learn more about Future Canadian Space Capacity Program Activity, go to Section 2 of the "Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome — Detailed Information" posted on the Canadian Space Agency's website at:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/asc/eng/resources/publications/default.asp#parliament

To learn more about enabling technology development, go to:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/programs/default.asp

To learn more about qualifying and testing services go to:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/asc/eng/dfl/default.asp

To learn more about space awareness and learning, go to:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/asc/eng/educators/default.asp

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Description: In accordance with the Management Accountability Framework this Program Activity serves to implement the Government's commitment to modern Public Service management. Internal Services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization in the areas of Governance and Management Support which includes Management and Oversight Services, Communications Services, and Legal Services; Resource Management which includes Human Resources Management Services, Financial Management Services, Information Management Services and Information Technology Services; and Asset Management which includes Real Property Services, Material Services, and Acquisition Services.

INTERNAL SERVICES PROGRAM ACTIVITY PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT
Expected Result #1	Performance Indicator
Internal Services provide an added value to CSA managers in the performance of their duties.	1. CSA's rating against MAF criteria based on Round VIII assessment.
Expected Result #2	Performance Indicator
The highest priority risks identified in the CSA corporate risk profile are addressed and mitigated.	1. Mitigation action plans are implemented against the corporate risks identified as highest priorities.
Planning and Reporting Continuity: RPP 2010-2011 and DPR 2009-2010: http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/asc/eng/resources/publications/default.asp#parliament

Resources	2011-2012	2012-2013	2013-2014
Financial ($ in millions)	49.4	47.8	48.5
Human (FTEs)	295.9	296.0	296.0

Summary of Planning Highlights for Internal Services

In order for the CSA to have its management practices meet the standards set by government-wide policies, the following actions will be undertaken in 2011-2012:

• Review the CSA's external and internal governance structure in order to foster fruitful collaborations with government partners and external stakeholders, while enhancing the CSA's credibility with the federal government.
• Final development and implementation of the Investment Plan in accordance with TBS policies on investment planning, procurement and project management.
• Update of the CSA Corporate Risk profile in accordance with the new Risk Management Framework in time for the planning of the 2012-2013 fiscal year.
• Development of the CSA's performance measurement capacity to implement the PAA Performance Management Framework in time for the 2011-2012 Departmental Performance Report.
• Implementation of a five-year Evaluation Plan applicable to the CSA's 2011-2012 Program Activity Architecture.

Based on lessons learned from the Management Accountability Framework assessments and Internal Audit recommendations, the following actions will be undertaken in 2011-2012:

• Development of an integrated planning approach in order to align human, financial and technical resources with the CSA's strategies, priorities and operations for fiscal year 2012-2013.
• Implementation of the 2010-2013 Integrated Corporate Human Resources Plan in line with the Program Activity Architecture in order to attract and retain a qualified workforce to deliver its mandate.
• Review of existing policies pertaining to the management of intellectual property in order to guarantee access to it and promote the transfer of technologies.
• Management of information assets created by or for the CSA in order to support decision-making, guarantee secure access and ensure preservation for historical purposes in accordance with Canadian regulations.
• Assessment of management requirements to allow access by the public to space data produced by satellites and scientific experiments.

Benefits for Canadians

Canadians will benefit from well-managed and efficient government operations while maintaining rigorous stewardship over financial resources, assets, and human resources, as well as from a transparent, accountable and responsive federal government.

To learn more about Internal Services Program Activity, go to Section 2 of the "Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome — Detailed Information" posted on the Canadian Space Agency's website at:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/asc/eng/resources/publications/default.asp#parliament

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