Funding boost launches U of M into space industry partnership with Magellan Aerospace

The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification has announced $2.4 million in support to the University of Manitoba towards establishing a world class satellite integration facility. The Magellan Aerospace / University of Manitoba Advanced Satellite Integration Facility (ASIF) will be used for research, development and the construction and testing of satellite components.

Dr. David T. Barnard, president and vice chancellor, University of Manitoba, notes: “The University of Manitoba is leading the way in Manitoba as a centre for education, training and research on space technology in Western Canada. This exciting new Centre for Space Systems partnership is another example of the value we add in this important sector of Manitoba’s economy.”

Western Economic Diversification Canada’s funding will establish the U of M as a leading entity in the area of space systems engineering and enable industry partners to access growing market opportunities in the aerospace industry, estimated at $200 million over the next 10 years. In addition, the ASIF will lead to the creation of a research chair in the area of satellite development.

The ASIF will be housed at Magellan Aerospace in Winnipeg, following renovations to an existing 6,000-square-foot area to accommodate up to three spacecraft at various stages of assembly and sufficient ceiling height for high crane lifting requirements. The ASIF will be compliant with the cleanliness prerequisites of an ISO Class 8 cleanroom facility that will satisfy the requirements of programs such as the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) program initiated by the Government of Canada.

The ASIF will be the first of its kind in Western Canada.

This investment will result in the retention of 80 highly qualified personnel (HQP) jobs and the creation of six new HQP jobs per year. It will also retain industry research and development expenditures, averaging $16.7 million per year and generating incremental funding and research awards of $235,000 per year.

For more information, please contact Janine Harasymchuk, marketing communications office, Janine [dot] Harasymchuk [at] umanitoba [dot] ca; 204-799-4802.