Report: What We Heard Report: Consulting Canadians on a Modern Regulatory Framework for Space (CSA 2023)

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Synopsis

Between January 31 and April 4, 2023, the Canadian government solicited public opinion on Canada’s space regulatory framework. This initiative attracted only 49 submissions from various stakeholders, including industry, academia, associations, think tanks, and the general public. These submissions contribute to an ongoing review of Canada’s regulatory framework for space-related activities, as outlined in the national space strategy “Exploration Imagination Innovation.”

Key Themes from the Consultation

The consultation identified four primary themes:

1. The Need to Modernize: There was a broad consensus on the need for a modernized regulatory framework to leverage space opportunities. Participants highlighted the importance of such a framework in providing industry certainty, boosting investor confidence, and enhancing Canada’s international competitiveness.
2. Focus Areas: A modern framework should be both comprehensive and flexible, accommodating current and future space activities. Suggested focus areas include supporting industry, encouraging innovation, aligning with international partners, prioritizing sustainability, mitigating risks, maintaining security balance, and streamlining administrative processes.
3. Feedback on Specific Space Activities: Participants provided detailed feedback on regulatory aspects concerning in-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM), launch activities, remote sensing, satellite constellations, space resource utilization (SRU), and spectrum management.
4. Feedback on Space Policy and Program Issues: Suggestions included the development of a national space policy, establishing a national space governance body, and considerations on space traffic management, diversity and inclusion, and inspiring the next generation of space professionals.

Context of the Consultation

The report emphasizes the strategic importance of space for Canada, highlighting it as a driver of economic growth, innovation, and a creator of transformational technologies. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is leading a review of the regulatory framework to ensure that it keeps pace with global changes in the space sector.

Consultation Process

The consultation process was widely promoted, including direct stakeholder emails and social media campaigns. It sought to gather diverse perspectives, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the public’s views on space regulation.

Conclusion

The Canadian Space Agency thanks all participants for their contributions. The feedback will be instrumental in shaping Canada’s modern regulatory framework for space, ensuring that it aligns with the rapid evolution of space technologies and market dynamics.

The report reflects an effort to gather and synthesize a range of views and insights, aimed at guiding Canada’s strategic direction in space regulation and policy.