OTTAWA – The new head of the Canadian Space Agency says he’s working with other government partners on a 10-year, long-term space plan.
Walt Natynczyk, who took over in August, made the comment at the annual summit of the Canadian Space Society.
It was one year ago this month that former cabinet minister David Emerson criticized the Canadian space program, saying that it’s been floundering.
Emerson also presented a report then that said the CSA’s core funding be stabilized over a 10-year period.
Natynczyk replaced Steve MacLean, who quit the CSA earlier this year.
During his term, MacLean put together a five-year space plan and made recommendations to the Harper government but no action was taken.
In a wide-ranging speech that also entertained his audience of scientists, academics and industry representatives, Natynczyk admitted they knew more about space than he did.
But the former military general said his role is to enable the success of the Canadian space community and build relationships with government departments.
Natynczyk noted that the space industry in this country represents about 8,000 people.
