SpaceBound 2024: A look at the future of the Canadian space sector

On October 24 and 25, 2024, Space Canada hosted its annual SpaceBound conference at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa. The two-day event brought together thought leaders from the Canadian space ecosystem to discuss key topics and industry trends. 

The event kicked-off with an inspiring talk from Canadian Space Agency Astronaut and Artemis II Crew Member, Jeremy Hansen at the Space Canada Parliamentary Reception, held on the evening of September 23. The reception also featured a VR activation hosted by the MDA Space Dynamic Robotic Emulation and Mixed Reality (DREAMR) Lab team where participants could virtually explore the International Space Station. 

This year's conference came at a time of significant growth and momentum for the Canadian space sector. In recent years, Canada has invested heavily in its space program, and it’s paying off. Canadian companies are helping lead the global space industry, and Canada is home to a thriving community of space innovators and entrepreneurs. 

This growth and momentum was on display at SpaceBound 2024, with the event featuring a wide range of speakers and panelists from government, industry, and academia. They discussed a variety of topics, including: 

• The economic potential of the new space economy 
• Commercialization of the space sector and empowering the private sector 
• New technologies and innovations 
• Building a diverse and strong space workforce 
• Innovation in defence and safeguarding space infrastructure from cyber threats 
• Global partnerships; Opportunities and challenges 

Real-world examples of the innovative work being achieved by Canadian space companies were front-and-centre at the conference, including MDA Space: 

• GHGSat uses satellite technology to monitor greenhouse gas emissions. Governments and businesses use the company's data worldwide to reduce emissions and combat climate change. 
• Mission Control empowers customers through advanced software viable for use in space. With their technology, customers can simplify mission development and operations while unlocking scientific and commercial opportunities on the Earth, Moon, and Mars.  
• Telesat provides customers with critical connectivity solutions that tackle complex communication challenges. Telesat Lightspeed’s LEO constellation will be an innovative global network that will bring enhanced digital connectivity to Canadians and customers worldwide (Telesat has selected MDA Space as the prime contractor on this program). 
• MDA Space was recognized as a leading global provider of communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. 

A few key takeaways: 

• Canada is a global leader in the space sector. Home to a world-class space industry and a highly skilled workforce, Canada is also a major player in international space cooperation. 
• Canada needs to engage with its industrial base more effectively. Canada must focus on engaging the Canadian space industrial base, which is world-leading, to secure the technology and services needed for space operations and national defence.  
• Canada needs to adapt fast to reinforce a secure and sustainable space domain. Nobody moves faster than commercial innovators, which is why commercial integration has become a foundational element of national and Allied shared defence space objectives.  
• Space can play a key role in addressing global challenges. Space-based technologies can help monitor and study climate change, inform sustainable development solutions, and improve disaster response and management. Canadian space companies are developing innovative solutions to these challenges. 

In addition to the keynote speakers and panel discussions, SpaceBound 2024 also featured a number of networking opportunities for attendees allowing participants to connect with other professionals in the space sector and learn about new collaboration opportunities.  

SpaceBound 2024 was an uplifting event that highlighted the strength, collaboration and dynamism of the Canadian space sector and provided a glimpse of the exciting future ahead. We’re already excited for next year’s event!