Grant: Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
University of Toronto|Université de Toronto
$290,198.00
CARAT: Canadian Calibrator for Radio Telescopes
FY 2025-26 · 2026-03-03
Summary
CARAT is a space-based instrument that will fly in low-Earth orbit on a CubeSat and act as a known reference source for Canadian and other ground-based radio telescopes. This “artificial radio star” can be observed, tracked, and used to calibrate their receivers to greatly improve their accuracy. This project will develop and test the payload for CARAT to prepare it for a future flight and involves the development of several cutting-edge space technologies, increasing their technology readiness level in the process. The project will also train personnel in space-related areas, particularly CubeSat payloads and technology as well as radio astronomy, to build greater space capacity in Canada.
Department
Program
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Location
Toronto |Toronto , Ontario, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
Proactive Disclosure - Grants and Contributions
As published
Additional Information
The amount allocated covers more than one fiscal year.
Additional Information (French)
La somme allouée couvre plus d'un exercice financier.
Agreement End Date
2028-03-31
Agreement Number
25FATOB53
Agreement Start Date
2026-03-03
Agreement Title
CARAT: Canadian Calibrator for Radio Telescopes
Agreement Title (French)
CARAT : outil canadien d’étalonnage pour les radiotélescopes
Agreement Type
Grant
Agreement Value
$290,198.00
Amendment Number
0
Description
CARAT is a space-based instrument that will fly in low-Earth orbit on a CubeSat and act as a known reference source for Canadian and other ground-based radio telescopes. This “artificial radio star” can be observed, tracked, and used to calibrate their receivers to greatly improve their accuracy. This project will develop and test the payload for CARAT to prepare it for a future flight and involves the development of several cutting-edge space technologies, increasing their technology readiness level in the process. The project will also train personnel in space-related areas, particularly CubeSat payloads and technology as well as radio astronomy, to build greater space capacity in Canada.
Description (French)
Le CARAT est un instrument spatial qui sera placé sur un CubeSat en orbite terrestre basse et agira comme une source de référence connue pour les radiotélescopes terrestres canadiens et étrangers. Cette « radiosource stellaire artificielle » peut être observée, suivie et utilisée afin d’étalonner les récepteurs de sorte à améliorer considérablement leur exactitude. Ce projet vise à élaborer et à mettre à l’essai la charge utile du CARAT afin de la préparer à un vol futur. Il comprend le développement de plusieurs technologies spatiales de pointe, ce qui fera augmenter leur niveau de maturité technologique. Ce projet permettra également de former du personnel dans des domaines liés à l’espace, notamment la technologie et les charges utiles des CubeSats ainsi que la radioastronomie, afin d’accroître les capacités spatiales du Canada.
Expected Results
The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research
and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.
Expected Results (French)
Le volet Recherche du programme offre aux organisations une aide financière qui leur permettra de mener leurs activités
de recherche et développement spatiales dans des secteurs prioritaires. Ce volet appuiera le développement des connaissances et l’innovation dans les domaines ciblés de manière à soutenir et à accroître la capacité du Canada d’utiliser l’espace pour répondre aux besoins et aux priorités du pays dans le futur.
Organization Code
csa-asc
Organization
Canadian Space Agency | Agence spatiale canadienne
Program Name
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Program Name (French)
Programme global de subventions et contributions à l'appui de la recherche, de la sensibilisation et de l'éducation en sciences et technologies spatiales
Program Purpose
This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.
Program Purpose (French)
Ce programme appuie le développement des connaissances et l'innovation dans des domaines prioritaires de l'ASC et accroît la sensibilisation et la participation des Canadiens aux disciplines et aux activités liées à l'espace.
Le volet Recherche vise à soutenir le développement des sciences et des technologies, à favoriser le développement continu d'une masse critique de chercheurs et de personnes hautement qualifiées au Canada, et à appuyer la collecte d'information, la recherche et les études relatives à l'espace en tenant compte des priorités de l'ASC.
Recipient City
Toronto |Toronto
Recipient Country
CA
Recipient Legal Name
University of Toronto|Université de Toronto
Recipient Postal Code
M5S 1S8
Recipient Province or Territory
ON
Recipient Type
S
Reference Number
003-2025-2026-Q4-00037