Canadian Space Agency Taps Bubble Technology for Innovative Radiation Monitoring

Bubble Technology Industries Inc., based in Chalk River, has been awarded a significant contract by the Canadian Space Agency to develop the Canadian Active Neutron Spectrometer (CANS). This cutting-edge system is designed to monitor space radiation, aiming to enhance astronaut safety and advance our understanding of space environments. 

The CANS project represents a vital step in improving radiation protection for astronauts, who face increased exposure to harmful neutron radiation beyond Earth’s atmosphere and magnetosphere. Neutron radiation is particularly hazardous, making this development crucial for future space missions. Citing Canada’s expertise in neutron radiation measurement, the space agency has prioritized this area for upcoming expeditions. Bubble Technology Industries is no stranger to the space industry, tracing its roots back to 1988 with the development of its Bubble Detector. This pioneering neutron detection technology has been deployed in over two dozen missions, including experiments onboard the International Space Station such as Radi-N and Radi-N2. Beyond its space applications, this technology serves sectors including nuclear facilities, research institutions, the military, and the medical field.

The Canadian Space Agency’s collaboration with Bubble Technology Industries highlights Canada’s leadership in space science and commitment to astronaut safety. This contract not only underscores the importance of understanding space radiation but also celebrates Bubble Technology’s longstanding contributions to the field, further solidified by their 2022 induction into the U.S. Space Technology Hall of Fame.