U of M and Magellan Aerospace are partnering to research, design and build satellites. They presented this model of a satellite at the joint conference.
Partners in space, U of M and Magellan Aerospace to build satellites
New ‘first of its kind’ facility in Western Canada opens
Magellan Aerospace (Magellan) and the University of Manitoba today unveiled their new Advanced Satellite Integration Facility (or ASIF) at Magellan’s facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The facility will support research, development, construction and testing of satellite systems and components.
The facility was constructed in an existing 6,000-square-foot area, large enough to accommodate up to three satellites at various stages of assembly with sufficient ceiling height for high crane lifting requirements. The ASIF is an ISO Class 8 cleanroom facility that will satisfy the requirements of current and future satellite programs initiated by the Government of Canada.
The facility expansion was funded by an investment of $2.4 million from Western Economic Diversification Canada.
From left to right: The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, MP for Saint Boniface; Don Boitson (BSc(ME)/86) VP and General Manager, Magellan Aerospace Winnipeg; Dr. Digvir Jayas, VP (Research and International), U of M; Dr. Jonathan Beddoes, Dean of Engineering, U of M.
Magellan invested $1.5 million which includes $625,000 for the establishment of an Industrial Research Chair in the area of satellite development within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba, and contributed to the construction of the facility, multi-year research and development (R&D) and educational funding.
The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages and Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface, was present to unveil the new facility. “Our Government recognizes the importance of collaborative research, commercialization and skills development to the overall competitiveness of our economy. The Advanced Satellite Integration Facility will bring together industry expertise, academic skills-development and leading-edge technology to significantly enhance the future growth opportunities and economic spinoff potential for Manitoba’s thriving aerospace industry,” said Minister Glover.
Dr. Digvir Jayas speaking at the joint announcement.
“The University of Manitoba is excited to be working in partnership with Magellan Aerospace and taking the lead on increasing the space technology sector in Western Canada,” said Digvir Jayas, Vice-President (Research and International) and Distinguished Professor at the University of Manitoba.
Mr. Don Boitson, Vice-President General Manager, Magellan Aerospace, Winnipeg, said ”Magellan’s focus in the ASIF partnership goes well beyond the bricks and mortar of this world-class facility. Magellan’s investment in facilities, equipment, university research, and education support over the next five years reflects our commitment to both community and youth education.” He added, “This partnership fosters a very meaningful relationship between academia and industry.”
Shelly Glover speaking with U of M Engineering students who will be working on satellite projects
Magellan Aerospace Corporation Forward Looking Statements
Some of the statements in this press release may be forward-looking statements or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. When used herein, words such as “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “intend”, “believe”, and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by the Corporation in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Corporation believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause the Corporation’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Corporation’s Annual Information Form (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Corporation’s forward-looking statements. The Corporation has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Research at the University of Manitoba is partially supported by funding from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.