Future in Focus: World Space Week

• Op-Ed The Next Big Thing: The Moon and Canada Alex Ellery Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Carleton University
  SpaceInnovationResearch
• Op-Ed Science and Governance: Dual Opportunities for Canadian Leadership in Space Dr. Sarah Gallagher Director of the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration Western University Dr. Valerie Oosterveld Professor and Western Research Chair at the Faculty of Law Western University Dr. Pauline Barmby Professor and Chair of Physics & Astronomy Western University
  SpaceResearchTech
• Op-Ed Canada Must Heed the Message of Brain Drain in Engineering David Zingg Distinguished Professor of Computational Aerodynamics and Sustainable Aviation University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies
  TalentProductivitySkills

Canada’s leadership in science, engineering, and space has shaped its history — from pioneering aerospace innovation to early breakthroughs in lunar exploration and space science. But to remain competitive in an era defined by technological ambition and global competition, we must invest in the future of our innovation ecosystem.

Our new Future in Focus: World Space Week explores the following themes:

• Reclaiming National Ambition in Engineering and Technology – Canada’s early leadership in aerospace was built on bold vision and national pride. Reversing decades of brain drain requires a renewed strategy that invests in advanced industries, research, and homegrown talent.
• Moonshot Thinking and Technological Confidence – Canada once led the charge in lunar resource utilization. By backing new ideas and funding transformative technologies, Canada can once again lead in the next frontier of space exploration.
• Science as a Strategic Asset – Canada’s scientific excellence — from Alouette 1 to JWST — has been a powerful driver of technological development, economic growth, and international influence. CASTOR represents the next opportunity to lead a large-scale international mission.
• Building an Innovation Ecosystem from Lab to Launchpad – Our researchers and industries are ready to lead. But leadership requires bold government investment, modernized research programs, and the confidence to chart our own path rather than follow others.
• Global Leadership Through Policy and Technology – Beyond innovation, Canada can shape international governance on issues like satellite constellations and space debris, reinforcing its role as a trusted voice in science-driven diplomacy.

Now is the time to reimagine how Canada invests in, governs, and champions its innovation capacity. Let’s build the ambition, confidence, and strategy needed to lead in engineering, science, and space for generations to come.