Montreal Space Symposium 2019

The aerospace industry of Canada is vibrant, innovative and complex, with a rich history and elite reputation on a global stage. The Aerospace Research Center of National Research Council Canada (NRC) supports this important industry with facilities, expertise and industry foresight to develop fresh ideas and new technologies, demonstrate new products and processes that target the market challenges faced by the Canadian and global aeronautics and space sectors.

NRC has significant experience and expertise in R&D of space technologies and systems. This paper presents space related research activities and facilities at the NRC Aerospace Research Center. Facilities for space dynamic environmental simulation and testing include a large reverberant chamber for acoustic qualification of full-scale spacecraft and large satellite structures to the launch noise environment; a 10k lb(f) electromechanical shaker table for vibration environmental testing and qualification of spacecraft structures and components; two aircraft, a Falcon-20 business jet and a T-33 trainer, for simulation of the space microgravity environment through parabolic flights. In addition, NRC Aerospace performs extensive research in space technologies to provide technical support to Canadian space industry. These include advanced capabilities in modal test and analysis of full-scale spacecraft and structures; shock modeling and simulation of spacecraft structures; development of control treatments and approaches to improve noise transmission loss in aerospace composite structures; analysis of the impact probability of spacecraft by micrometeorites and orbital debris in low earth orbit etc.

In summary, NRC Aerospace has the facilities and knowledge for development of novel techniques and approaches to meet new mission requirements in support the programs and needs of Canadian space industry, OGDs as well as international partners.