A model of the James Webb Telescope—a project of NASA, with international collaboration from the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency, including contributions from 15 nations, it is estimated to be completed by 2018 at a cost of $8-billion.
Building on the success of astronaut Chris Hadfield, who became the first ever Canadian to take command of the International Space Station (ISS), the Canadian Government has unveiled a framework designed to serve as a guide for Canada’s strategic activities and future in space.
The framework, which also aims to provide inspiration for a future generation of Canadians interested in space, is based on five principles for the future:
- Canada First: sovereignty, security and prosperity will be at the heart of Canada’s activities in space.
- Using space to strengthen the economy: by supporting Canada’s space industry through cutting-edge technologies that promote jobs and growth to the market.
- Working together globally: by partnering with other countries on major space projects like Canada’s continued commitment to the ISS
- Promoting Canadian innovation: by investing in proven Canadian strengths, like robotics in the Canadarm2 and optics in the development of the James Webb Space Telescope, the next-generation space observatory and the most powerful space telescope ever built.
- Inspiring Canadians: by building on Canada’s success and inspiring a future generation of Canadians interested in pursuing a career in space and its related disciplines.
Industry Minister James Moore has announced Canada’s continued support in the international James Webb Telescope project, stating Canada’s continued participation will benefit industry, the academic community, and all Canadians.
The telescope, which will include contributions from 15 nations, will study every phase in the history of our Universe, ranging from the first luminous glows after the Big Bang, to the formation of solar systems capable of supporting life on planets like Earth, to the evolution of our own Solar System.
It is estimated to be completed by 2018 at a cost of $8-billion.
