Inarguably bigger and more seasoned than it was when it was born from the ashes of the Second World War, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization — the West’s great military alliance — celebrated a milestone Thursday: three-quarters of a century of keeping the peace in Europe.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/nato-75-years-anniversary-canada-russia-ukraine-1.7162757
October 29, 2018 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security
DND Ombudsman, Management & Program Consultants, L3 Technologies, Ultra Electronics, CAF/NATO. https://defence.frontline.online/article/2018/5/10562-Who%27s-Where%3F
November 23, 2018 | Local, Aerospace
Quebec-based company pushes the limits of Canadian robotics technology SHERBROOKE, QC, Nov. 22, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - New technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming all sectors of Canada's economy, including space. Canada is leveraging its leadership in AI and space to unleash innovation in space exploration. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is now exploring ways to equip future space robots with AI. Giving robots some autonomy will be critical for new missions into deep space. Set to be located in increasingly distant destinations, space robots of the future will have to work without human help, relying on AI to make decisions. The CSA is collaborating with MDA, a Maxar Technologies company, and AI experts from Menya Solutions, a small company from Sherbrooke, Quebec, on the next generation of autonomous space robotics. MDA built the original Canadarm, Canadarm2 and Dextre, and are now taking steps towards the AI-based robots of the future by giving Canadarm2 and Dextre the ability to conduct certain tasks autonomously. This pioneering work will ensure Canada'scontinued competitiveness in space robotics when future opportunities arise. Countries from around the world are preparing plans to build the successor to the International Space Station (ISS): an outpost in the vicinity of the Moon called the Gateway that will serve as a stepping stone for deep-space exploration. Unlike the ISS, which has been continuously inhabited for almost 20 years, this future orbiting lunar station will rely upon AI-based autonomous robotics for its upkeep. Robots will assemble and service the Gateway, and will capture visiting spacecraft and help conduct science on behalf of researchers on Earth. Quotes "Artificial intelligence is transforming all industries and sectors, providing new opportunities for Canadians. It's exciting to see how the collaboration between Canada's space sector and our world-leading AI research is already helping small companies grow, innovate and export their expertise. By working together, we are supporting the creation of high-skilled jobs that play a significant role in boosting Canada's digital economy." The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development "AI-enabled space robotics will extend the reach of human space exploration and will cement Canada's leading position in this critical technology area. Canada's robotics built the International Space Station and perform robotic operations while orbiting 400 km above the Earth. At 400,000 km from the Earth, the Lunar Gateway robotics will require artificial intelligence to operate more autonomously for significantly longer periods. MDA is proud to be working with Menya Solutions to develop and apply these essential technologies." Mike Greenley, Group president at MDA "Menya Solutions is excited and proud to work with the CSA and MDA on the next generation of AI-based autonomous robotics. Working with these world leaders in space and robotics technologies will create opportunities for us in other sectors and contribute to the growth of our business. This collaboration aligns well with our other ongoing efforts in helping different organisations to deploy AI solutions that support humans and machines in making decisions, improving living and working conditions, and allowing us to save money, time and lives. " Froduald Kabanza, CEO at Menya Solutions Quick facts By 2020, Canadarm2 will be able to carry out certain tasks in space without human intervention, like moving around the ISS scanning it for problems. Canadarm2 and Dextre would eventually be able to handle payloads and carrying out repairs independently. The CSA and MDA would also develop the know-how to be able to autonomously capture the Station's visiting cargo ships. Based on projections by PricewaterhouseCoopers, AI is expected to contribute as much as US$15.7 trillion to the world economy by 2030. Space contributes $5.5 billion and 10,000 direct jobs to our economy annually. Innovative small and medium-sized enterprises make up 92 percent of Canada's space sector. Over 500 Canadian organizations were involved in the supply chain that built and sustained Canada's robots on the International Space Station—from machine shops to software developers. Website: http://asc-csa.gc.ca Email:ASC.Medias-Media.CSA@canada.ca Follow us on Social Media SOURCE Canadian Space Agency https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/canadas-artificial-intelligence-leadership-extending-to-space-701072341.html
January 11, 2021 | Local, Aerospace, C4ISR, Security
Program details The CRIAQ Start-up Grant is targeted for Quebec start-ups active in the aerospace sector. Through a competitive process, CRIAQ will award two $10,000 grants per year in support of the technological development of two start-ups, under the rationale that this funding will help to bring the development of the product or service into alignment with potential users and customers. Project submission and approval process To be eligible for this grant, the company must be a start-up in and at least a portion of its activities must be geared toward the aerospace industry (products, services, solutions) and must be a good standing member of CRIAQ or must commit to become one before the grant is awarded. Elements to be considered will include the following: Date of incorporation within the last two years Number of employees (fewer than ten) Participation in a recognized incubator or accelerator Etc. Proposals will be evaluated according to the following four (4) criteria: Novelty of the product or service Technical feasibility Aerospace business opportunity potential Quality of the team It is also important to note that applications from companies stemming from a CRIAQ research project will be evaluated positively. Application and additional information The form below must be completed and submitted no later than January 22, 2021. The evaluation will be completed by February 5, 2021. Recipients must be available between February 16-19, 2021 for the announcement to be made at the CRIAQ RDV Forum. https://www.criaq.aero/en/program/criaq-start-up/