Ottawa space lab closes after more than five decades in business
After 52 years, a space technology laboratory in Ottawa is closing its doors at the end of March 2025, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) announced on Friday.
“The difficult decision to cease DFL operations is based on the strategic review of operations,” the CSA told CTV News in a statement.
The world-class facility is just one out of a few in the world capable of simulating the enormous stress and temperature associated with rocket launch and space flight, according to the CSA.
“This is going backwards, this is taking away at a time when really we should be going forward,” said Tyler Chamberlin, associate professor at the University of Ottawa.
Work on the Canadarm was done there, which is labelled as the country’s most famous technological achievements in the field of robotics. It supported U.S. space shuttle missions for 30 years.
“This was a way we were like in the business we were in the world of space exploration we were there and I’m sure it was inspiring for many young Canadians growing up,” said Chamberlin.
“To see this important facility close down is really a bad omen for the Canadian Space Industry and our ability to compete in it.”
At the same time, industry leaders say it represents a changing landscape as more private companies enter the field.
“One of the first things that every company invests in now when they go to scale is their infrastructure, which means not going to DFL,” said Michael Graham, CEO of Space Simulation Services of Canada.
I don’t know what the decision making process was but I know for sure it wasn’t easy.”
Currently, there are 34 employees working at the facility in which operations are expected to be scaled back over the next several months.
CTV News Ottawa reached out to the union representing the workers but did not hear back before deadline.
The CSA also tells CTV News, “The Canadian Space Agency remains committed to working closely with industry to help unlock the full potential of Canada’s space sector and respond to the realities of the new and growing space market.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.