Deadline Date: July 02, 2026
The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are inviting innovative research and development solutions to support the creation of a transportable Optical Ground Station capable of establishing secure optical communication links with low Earth orbit satellites in support of defence operations.
The focus of this challenge is to provide a secure and resilient information ecosystem through optical communications, enable high-bandwidth connectivity with low Earth orbit satellite constellations, support next-generation sensing, communications, and command-and-control capabilities, advance resilient space information mobility, enhance connectivity for operations in northern and Arctic environments, and design, develop, and demonstrate a transportable Optical Ground Station for performance evaluation in Arctic conditions.
The defence of North America increasingly depends on resilient, secure, and assured communication systems that can connect space-based and ground-based assets. Low Earth orbit satellite constellations offer significant advantages, including global coverage and low latency, making them an important component of modern defence operations.
As part of its Space Low Earth Orbit Architectures Initiative, Defence Research and Development Canada is exploring technologies and architectures that strengthen space information mobility. The initiative aims to improve understanding of how future satellite communication systems can effectively support Canadian Armed Forces operations, particularly in northern and Arctic regions where communication challenges are significant.
Through this challenge, applicants are invited to propose the design, development, and demonstration of a transportable Optical Ground Station capable of establishing optical communication links with satellites in low Earth orbit. The resulting prototype will serve as a research and development platform for assessing performance, environmental sensitivity, and operational considerations associated with optical satellite communications under Arctic conditions.
Under Phase 1, successful applicants may receive up to CAD 300,000 in funding, excluding applicable taxes, shipping, travel, and living expenses as required. The funding will support the development and demonstration of innovative solutions that address the objectives of the challenge.
To be eligible, applicants must be for-profit businesses incorporated in Canada either federally or provincially. Eligible organizations must have 499 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, conduct research and development activities within Canada, and meet specific requirements related to workforce location and executive residency in Canada.
For more information, visit Government of Canada.
