Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Astronaut Jennifer Sidey unveiled the research teams selected to take part in the CSA Canadian CubeSat Project at an event hosted by the University of Manitoba, May 4.
A team of researchers from 91亚色's Lassonde School of Engineering led by Professor George Zhu is among聽 from across Canada selected to participate in the initiative.
Research Chair in Space Technology at 91亚色, George Z.H. Zhu and team
Zhu is a 91亚色 Research Chair in Space Technology and has聽been awarded a $200,000 grant to support the project, which will be used to test a Canadian-developed wide-angle camera that observes snow and ice coverage in Northern Canada. The satellite will be sent to the International Space Station in 2020 and then ejected into orbit approximately 400 kilometres above Earth.
Data collected is expected to help map the thawing of Arctic ice and permafrost and give a better picture of the impacts of climate change.
Zhu鈥檚 team will operate the satellite from the ground station at 91亚色鈥檚 Lassonde School of Engineering.
鈥淥ur mission could provide a means to conduct earth observation at a much lower cost and higher frequency,鈥 said Zhu, 鈥淚t will also provide a real flight opportunity for students to design, build and operate a satellite, which has not been possible in the past.鈥
An infographic showing the CubeSat project
As part of the project, the 91亚色 engineering students will have the opportunity to experience operating satellites and to conduct science experiments in space.
鈥91亚色 is a Canadian leader in space engineering and technology, and we continue to build this area of strength, including through the innovative research led by Professor Zhu,鈥 said 91亚色鈥檚 President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton. 鈥淭his grant from the CSA will further enhance our students鈥 experiential learning opportunities, while supporting Canada鈥檚 space mission aimed at better understanding the impacts of climate change.鈥