Canada

Space in Canada

The Government of Canada and businesses across various sectors rely on Thales Alenia Space to design, deliver and operate satellite-based systems. In Canada, our investments in Canada's space industry and the advanced technologies we deliver are strengthening the country’s position in the global space sector. View our global Space capabilities.

View our global Space capabilities

A Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer delivering high-tech solutions for telecommunications, Earth observation, space exploration, environmental monitoring and more for more than 40 years.

Our customers, including the Government of Canada, rely on us for space-based technologies that enable a better and more sustainable life on Earth.

Key figures

satellites in the Iridium NEXT satellite constellation – the world’s highest performance satellite constellation – built by Thales Alenia Space

50%

of the International Space Station’s pressurized volume supplied by Thales Alenia Space

Our work

Telecommunications

Thales Alenia Space delivers advanced satellite capabilities to expand global connectivity and support a wide range of mission-critical services. In Canada, we contributed to the launch of the world’s first spaceborne search and rescue communications system through the MEOSAR (Medium Earth Orbit Search and Rescue) contract – part of the international COSPAS-SARSAT program – to enable rapid detection and response to distress signals on land, air, and sea.

Earth Observation

Thales Alenia Space engineers advanced Earth observation solutions that deliver accurate, high-resolution data for environmental monitoring, climate research, and natural resource management. As a key industrial partner on Canada’s RADARSAT‑2 mission, Thales Alenia Space manufactured the satellite platform and avionics, supplied the active-SAR antenna’s transmit‑receive modules, and supported integration and testing in Canada. We’ve also invested in Montreal’s NorthStar Earth and Space Inc. to develop the world’s most advanced environmental and near-space monitoring system.

Navigation

Thales Alenia Space satellite navigation solutions support precise positioning, timing, and navigation for a wide range of civil and commercial applications. As a key contributor to major global navigation systems like Galileo, Thales Alenia Space helps ensure reliable and accurate services for transportation, agriculture, and critical infrastructure worldwide.

© Thales Alenia Space / Master Image Programmes

Space Exploration

Thales Alenia Space plays a key role in enabling space exploration missions by designing and delivering advanced technologies for crewed habitats, deep space transportation, and scientific research.

Defence

Thales Alenia Space enables secure satellite communications, surveillance, and threat detection for our military and government customers. The company’s space-based defense solutions improve situational awareness and protect critical space assets against emerging threats.