Table of Contents

Interview with Marc Garneau

1. How important is the return to flight of the space shuttle for Canada and its partners?

Canada has made a strong commitment as a partner in the International Space Station and, like the other partners, wishes to see the assembly of this unique orbiting laboratory continue.

NASA wanted to assure its ability to examine the spacecraft in orbit for signs of damage. New standards for safety are now in place and Canada has helped provide tools and techniques that were needed. Technologies like these are innovative and represent great achievements for us.

There are many experiments and a great deal of research that can be performed on the station that make a difference in our lives and we are committed to supporting this important vocation. The space industry is developing and delivering benefits that tie into our immediate needs and priorities here on Earth-for example, medical and materials research, and satellite communications.

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2. What is Canada's contribution to the return to flight and, more precisely, to the STS-114 mission?

We have played a critical role in meeting the new safety standards. The Canadian space industry contributed new tools that make the inspection of the space shuttle possible. MDA of Brampton, Ontario, built a new tool for this purpose: a 15-metre extension of the shuttle's Canadarm that can be used like a huge dentist's mirror. Once the shuttle is in orbit, its Canadarm will grab the orbiter boom sensor system to look for external damage.

The end of the boom is outfitted with two digital cameras and laser ranging sensors one of which is designed by Ottawa-based space vision technology developer NEPTEC. These enable the examination of the entire shuttle's exterior for possible damage while in orbit.

Our astronauts are making contributions, too. Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Chris Hadfield, serves as Chief of Robotics for the NASA Astronaut Office at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, and he has played a large role in the review of these new Canadian robotic technologies. Also, Chief Astronaut Julie Payette will be one of the CapComs (Capsule Communicators), the voice link for the crew of STS-114.

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3. What's next for Canada? What are the upcoming missions?

After the Shuttle checks out on its two upcoming flights, it will be ready to take larger components up to the International Space Station later this fall.

Currently, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Steve MacLean is scheduled to fly to the station on mission STS-115. The Endeavour crew will deliver a pair of solar arrays. This will be a space milestone for Canada, as Steve will be the first Canadian to operate Canadarm2.

Canadian Astronaut Dave Williams is slated to fly in 2006 or perhaps 2007 on STS-118 as station assembly tasks continue.

Through these ongoing activities and possibly in the future, a Canadian will go live and work on the International Space Station and we will continue to make Canadians proud of our achievements in space.

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1.15 MB