Canada’s space efforts from its origins towards the end of the Second World War through to its participation in the ISS today are revealed in full in this complete and carefully researched history. Employing recently declassified archives and many never previously used sources, author Andrew B. Godefroy explains the history of the program through its policy and many fascinating projects. He assesses its effectiveness as a major partner in both US and international space programs, examines its current national priorities and capabilities, and outlines the country’s plans for the future. Despite being the third nation to launch a satellite into space after the Soviet Union and the United States; being a major partner in the US space shuttle program with the iconic Canadarm; being an international leader in the development of space robotics; and acting as one of the five major partners in the ISS, the Canadian Space Program remains one of the least well-known national efforts of the space age. This book attempts to shed a clearer light on the progress made by the CSA thus far, with more ambitious goals ahead. Technical information, diagrams, glossaries, a chronology, and extensive notes on sources are also included in this volume.

Canadians have always had a pioneering spirit. We've explored our country and our planet, and now we're exploring space. Read more about Canada's amazing contributions to space research and discovery: - The development of the Canadarm and Canadarm2, essential tools for the space shuttle program - The Alouette I ionospheric research satellite, the first satellite ever built outside of the US and USSR to make it into orbit - James Chamberlin and Owen Maynard, who went from the collapse of Avro to engineering key components for NASA's Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and shuttle programs - The birth of Canada's commercial satellite industry with the Canadian launch of the world's first communications satellite - Robotic technology developed in Canada that helped the shuttle program return to flight in 2005 - Dr. Gerry Bull, the Canadian defence scientist who spearheaded the High Altitude Research Project which studied the use of cannons to launch satellites in the 1960s - Ionospheric research by Canadian scientists to help improve radio communications in the far north - Julie Payette and Chris Hadfield's part in the construction and research work on the International Space Station - Marc Garneau, the head of Canada's space program, who is setting his sights on Canadian technology and a mission to Mars. And more...

In 1984, Marc Garneau became Canadas first astronaut and a national hero. Since then, seven of his fellow citizens have followed in his footsteps, many more than once. This book was written as a twenty-fifth anniversary tribute to these brave men and women who defied tremendous odds, risked their lives, and soared from Earth on sheets of flame.

The launch of a spaceship is exciting and thousands of people come to watch. What makes it even more exciting is when we see fellow Canadians like Robert Thirsk, Julie Payette, and Guy Lalibert onboard. Maple Leaf in Space showcases Canadians who have ventured off our planet and delivers some of the thrill of what that's like.