Canadian Space Agency
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Canada's space visionaries: Seeing 20/20
What you need to know
As a young government scientist in the late 1950s,
John H. Chapman boldly proposed that Canada
design its own satellite to study effects of the
ionosphere on radio waves in the north. In 1962,
Alouette-1 made Canada the third nation in space
after Russia and the United States. This feat earned
Chapman the daunting task of drafting the blueprint
for Canada's future in space, which included being
the first nation to deliver quality telephone and
television services to every community by domestic
communications satellites. The Canadian Space
Agency inaugurated the annual John H. Chapman
Award of Excellence in 2000 to commemorate his
outstanding achievements.
Modern Visionaries
- Dr. John Spencer MacDonald, co-founder of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates, received the Award in 2000. His passion, dreams and commitment have contributed to shaping the Canadian Space Program over the past 30 years.
- Dr. Valentine O'Donovan received the Award in 2001. He co-founded COM DEV International Ltd., a global leader and the largest Canadian-based designer, manufacturer, and distributor of space and ground-based wireless communications products and subsystems.
- Dr. Colin A. Franklin was named 2002 recipient for his lifetime dedication to the advancement of space research and development in Canada and for his significant contribution to the Alouette-1 project.
- Dr. Gordon G. Shepherd received the Award in 2003. Professor Emeritus of Space Science at York University, his lifelong dedication has made him a role model for Canadian atmospheric physicists and space scientists.
- Larry Clarke, the 2004 recipient, showed courage, determination, and vision in developing the commercial side of the Canadian Space Program. He founded Spar Aerospace, creator of Canadarm, one of Canada’s most recognized technology achievements.
- John D. MacNaughton received the Award in 2005 for his strong leadership steering Spar Aerospace through its most dynamic growth period on projects such as Canadarm, Anik E, MSAT, and RADARSAT-1.
Industry Leaders
Leveraging collaboration and partnerships with scientists, engineers, and industry leaders, the Canadian Space Program delivers social and economic benefits while meeting the evolving need of Canada and Canadians. Sound, strategic investments have helped develop a domestic space sector with an international reputation for innovation and reliability. In 2004, the Canadian space industry generated over $2.4 billion—49% from exports, one of the highest ratios among spacefaring nations.
