The Canadian Space Agency remembers Marc Garneau
05 Jun 2025, 07:41 GMT+10
June 4, 2025 - Longueuil, Quebec
Former Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Marc Garneau has passed away at the age of 76.
Garneau was one of the original six Canadian astronauts selected in December 1983. He launched aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger on October 5, 1984, as a payload specialist, making history as the first Canadian in space. He flew twice more, on Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1996 and 2000.
Following his astronaut career, Garneau was appointed President of the Canadian Space Agency, and was later elected to Parliament, where he served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Transport. His decades of unwavering service - as a naval engineer, astronaut and Parliamentarian - is an inspiration to all Canadians. He embodied the very essence of public service.
Among the awards and honours he has received are the Order of Canada, 1984; The F.W. (Casey) Baldwin Award, Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute, 1985; NASA Exceptional Service Medal, 1997; Chancellor, Carleton University, 2003; Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2002; and several honorary doctorates.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cision Canada
3 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Praxis Spinal Cord Institute, Technology for Living and MIMIC Systems Vancouver pilot Novel Solid-State Cooling and Heating System Advancing Climate Resiliency for People with Disabilities
Pilot marks Canadian first in climate-resilient, refrigerant-free heating & cooling technology to assess climate equity. VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 13, 2025 /CNW/ - Through the SCI Climate Futures initiative, Praxis Spinal Cord Institute and Technology for Living (TFL) are advancing innovative solutions to support the health resiliency of individuals vulnerable to rising temperatures. Today, Praxis and TFL are proud to announce the successful installation of the first pilot MIMIC solid-state climate control system in the Vancouver home of an individual living with spinal cord injury (SCI). This milestone was made possible with the generous support of the Gore Mutual Insurance Collaborative Climate and Equity Partnerships grant. For individuals living with SCI, multiple sclerosis (MS), and other chronic conditions that impair the body's natural ability to regulate temperature, prolonged exposure to heat, especially temperatures exceeding 29°C can be life-threatening. Without access to effective cooling technologies, these individuals face daily health risks, including muscle spasms, disorientation, and hospitalization. "At Gore Mutual, we believe that climate resilience must be inclusive. Supporting innovative solutions like the MIMIC system aligns with our commitment to equity and sustainability," said Gaby Polanco Sorto, VP, Purpose, Sustainability and Office of the CEO at Gore Mutual Insurance. "As the founding partner of The Climate and Equity Lab, we remain committed to deepening our collective understanding of how climate change impacts vulnerable communities, and we're proud to partner with organizations that are creating real-world impact for Canadians living with disabilities." MIMiC Systems unveils a solid-state solution for indoor climate control for the built environment, designed to eliminate refrigerants or moving parts. Offering both heating and cooling in a single, compact unit, the system provides a quiet alternative to traditional HVAC, ideal for property owners seeking simplicity, sustainability, and performance. The installation faced several delays due to the complexity of approving novel clean tech in BC, with support from the City of Vancouver essential to the launch of the pilot, highlighting the need for regulatory change to effectively meet the climate resiliency needs of Canadians living with disabilities. "It's been a great experience. The unit is beautiful, and we're really happy our family was chosen for the pilot. Just walking into a cool home makes such a difference. I hope this system helps us stay comfortable while using less energy during the summer"— Pilot PLEX (person with spinal cord injury, lived experience) homeowner. " We're building a new standard for thermal comfort - one that's easy to install, built to last, and aligned with our planet's needs.", said Berardo Matalucci, CEO of MIMiC. "SCI Climate Futures initiative helped us to deploy our first unit to provide heating and cooling to those who need it the most. We're humbled and grateful for all the support. We'd also like to give a huge shoutout to Terra Mechanical Ltd. They've been a fantastic partner for our first install". The installation was completed by Terra Mechanical Ltd., BC HVAC and controls specialists, with support from the MIMIC, Praxis, and TFL teams. It involved close collaboration with the homeowner and building management to ensure compatibility, accessibility, and safety. Valuable feedback gathered during the process is already informing future product refinements. Why It Matters The SCI Climate Futures initiative was launched in response to British Columbia's escalating heat crises, which disproportionately affect people with disabilities. Phase 2 expands the scope to test and validate built-environment technologies that offer year-round thermal regulation. "At Technology for Living, we believe equitable access to assistive technology is essential for the well-being and independence of people with disabilities. This pilot is a powerful example of how inclusive innovation can reduce health risks and support safer, more sustainable living environments." said Ean Price, Innovation Strategist, Technology for Living. "This pilot project is a critical step forward for our SCI Climate Futures initiative," said Bill Barrable, CEO of Praxis Spinal Cord Institute. "The project signifies our dedication to advancing innovative, climate-resilient solutions that protect the health and safety of people with spinal cord injuries and others who are vulnerable to extreme heat. At the core of our mission is improving the lives of individuals living with SCI, especially for those most vulnerable to rising temperatures." Next Steps MIMIC Systems will continue working with the pilot household to monitor performance, energy usage, and user experience, while providing ongoing technical support. A second pilot installation site has already been confirmed and is scheduled for deployment in the coming months. This milestone represents a key step toward a climate-resilient future, one that centers on inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability. About Praxis Spinal Cord Institute Praxis Spinal Cord Institute is a Vancouver-based not-for-profit organization that leads global collaboration in spinal cord injury research, innovation, and care. We accelerate the translation of discoveries and best practices into improved treatments for people with spinal cord injuries. Learn more: About Gore Mutual Built on a foundation of financial strength for more than 180 years, Gore Mutual Insurance Company is one of the oldest property and casualty mutual insurers in Canada. With offices in Cambridge, Toronto and Vancouver, Gore Mutual is a Canadian mutual company offering competitive insurance products through trusted broker partners. Every decision and investment made is anchored in the long-term benefits to customers, members and communities. For more information, please visit About Technology for Living Technology for Living (TFL) supports people with severe physical disabilities in living as independently as possible. TFL provides individuals who experience physical barriers with peer support, innovative technologies, respiratory therapy services, and equipment that address unmet needs and promote independence, inclusion, and well-being. Learn more: About MIMIC Systems MIMiC Systems is pioneering solid-state, refrigerant-free heat pump technology to reduce the climate impact of heating and cooling. Unlike traditional systems that depend on compressors and leak high-GWP refrigerants, MIMiC's solution is a quiet, reliable, and emission-free alternative. Our mission is to accelerate the transition to resilient and sustainable heating and cooling systems in buildings and beyond. Learn more:
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Cision Canada
Media Advisory - STRATOS 2025: Canadian innovations to be tested in space-like environment Français
LONGUEUIL, QC, Aug. 12, 2025 /CNW/ - From August 10 to September 10, 12 Canadian payloads will be launched from the Timmins Stratospheric Balloon Base to test new technologies, conduct science experiments and take measurements as part of the Strato-Science 2025 campaign. The campaign is part of STRATOS, the Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) stratospheric balloon program. Created in 2012 in collaboration with France's Centre national d'études spatiales, STRATOS gives Canadian researchers and industry a unique opportunity to test and validate new space technologies in a space-like environment, while helping train the next generation of space experts. Since opening in 2013, the Timmins base has supported nearly 100 experiments and involved over 500 researchers and students from across Canada. Stratospheric balloons offer a cost-effective and rapid platform for advancing space science and technology. Media interested in interviews with CSA experts may contact the Media Relations Office.
The Market Online
a day ago
- The Market Online
Canada paves way for independent access to outer space
Maritime Launch Services (Cboe CA:MAXQ) signed an exclusive C$1.7 million agreement with Reaction Dynamics Lab, a Montreal-based rocket company, creating a framework for the first orbital launch of a Canada-designed rocket from Canadian soil Maritime Launch Services is a commercial space company headquartered in Nova Scotia Maritime Launch stock has added 16.6 per cent year-over-year Maritime Launch Services (Cboe CA:MAXQ) signed an exclusive C$1.7 million agreement with Reaction Dynamics Lab, a Montreal-based rocket company, creating a framework for the first orbital launch of a Canada-designed rocket from Canadian soil. This content has been prepared as part of a partnership with Maritime Launch Services Ltd., and is intended for informational purposes only. The launch is schedule to take place at Maritime's developing Spaceport Nova Scotia facility in Q3 2028 and will be underpinned by Reaction Dynamics' strategic C$1,025,952 equity investment in the company. Payments will occur in twelve quarterly instalments of C$85,496, with the first made at the time of signing at C$0.05 per share and subsequent payments continuing on September 30, 2025, to be based on the weighted average share price at the time. Following a successful initial launch, Maritime Launch and Reaction Dynamics will work towards a multi-year agreement to use a designated launchpad at Spaceport Nova Scotia. Leadership insights 'This is more than an investment or commercial launch agreement — it affirms that Canada's space launch capability is real and ready,' Stephen Matier, Maritime Launch Services' president and chief executive officer (CEO), stated in Tuesday's news release. 'With Reaction Dynamics, Canada is joining the ranks of our NATO allies and other nations that can launch their satellites to orbit, from their soil, on their terms.' 'Securing this pathfinder launch is Canada's bridge to true sovereign launch,' added Bachar Elzein, CEO of Reaction Dynamics. 'With Aurora-1 flying this winter and our Aurora-8 orbital system coming online, Canada is not only entering the launch market—it is shaping the future of rapid, distributed and allied-ready space access.' About Maritime Launch Services Maritime Launch Services is a commercial space company headquartered in Nova Scotia. The company's developing Spaceport Nova Scotia will be Canada's first commercial orbital launch complex providing reliable access to low-Earth orbit. Maritime Launch Services stock (Cboe CA:MAXQ) last traded at C$0.07. The stock has added 16.6 per cent year-over-year. Join the discussion: Find out what everybody's saying about these space companies in Canada on the Maritime Launch Services Ltd. Bullboard and check out the rest of Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards. Stockhouse does not provide investment advice or recommendations. All investment decisions should be made based on your own research and consultation with a registered investment professional. The issuer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For full disclaimer information, please click here.
