On-the-ground intelligence gives firm a lift-off in Russia

An Ontario firm—a prime contractor to NASA—is making in roads in the challenging Russian space market with the help of a key partner and some unmatched commercial intelligence. Watch this short video to see how this company is taking off.

Robogeddon – iRing Rover Tires

McGill’s iRing wheels on Neptec’s Juno Rover feature on Discovery Channel

Telescope satellite will stare into the great beyond

Ottawa's Neptec will ensure the ASTRO-H records clear X-ray images from light-years away, Tom Spears reports.

Neptec expands laser tech to telescope

System adds on to experience Ottawa firm has in space

Neptec is taking another step beyond its shuttle work through providing a laser system to properly align a Japanese X-ray telescope working in space.

Halifax scientist takes starring role in project

SMU astronomer to lead Canadian part of space telescope mission

Cygnus spacecraft to use Canadian technology

When commercial unmanned cargo spacecraft dock with the International Space Station next year, Canadian technology will help them pull off the perfect parking job.

Neptec’s TriDAR technology to take off on Orbital’s Cygnus Spacecraft

OTTAWA, ON – July 21, 2011 – Neptec Design Group, a leader in space, defence and industrial systems and applications, today announced it will provide its TriDAR rendezvous and docking sensors to Orbital Space Science Corp.'s Cygnus Spacecraft capsule, which will be used on the Cargo Resupply Services Program to resupply the International Space Station (ISS). Fresh off three successful test missions with the Space Shuttle, including the historic final flight STS-135, this partnership will see Neptec supply Orbital with 13 TriDAR systems to support Orbital’s initial round of resupply flights for the ISS.

Atlantis undocks and departs ISS – TriDAR tests continue with flyaround

Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis has undocked from the ISS for the final time, ahead of carrying out the unique and stunning flyaround. And while the moment resulted in dazzling images of a graceful orbital ballet, as well as a multitude of emotions, Atlantis once again lent a helping hand to future spacecraft as she performed one more TriDAR detailed test objective.

BSI award Neptec Design Group for Quality Excellence

(Toronto, ON) July 15, 2011 - BSI have awarded an Ottawa aerospace firm for its leadership in the industry recently at a special ceremony in Kanata. Neptec Design Group Ltd., an aerospace design firm, was recognized by the British Standards International (BSI) Group Canada Inc., a leading global standards, certification and training organization, with an Award for Quality Excellence.

Canadians gather to say goodbye to the shuttle; astronauts exchange high-fives, snap pics

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Even the most seasoned space veteran couldn't control himself while watching the shuttle blast off on its final flight.

Astronauts of the future watch Atlantis' last flight

Some of Ottawa's future astronauts got a chance to watch the launch of the space shuttle Atlantis at a firm which helped that shuttle get off the ground.

Final flight: How small Canadian firms played a big part in the success of NASA's space shuttle program

With the planned launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis today, NASA marks its 135th and final shuttle mission. For the Canadian businesses that acted as direct suppliers and sub-contractors to the shuttle fleet, it's the end of an era that was a source of pride and a catalyst for innovation.

Next generation Canadarm being tested in St. Hubert

‘We need a mission’

End of the Shuttle Program Final Flight of Atlantis: Canada's Contribution

LONGUEUIL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - June 28, 2011) - The final flight of the Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled for July 8, 2011, at 11:26 a.m. EDT. This will be the last mission of the Space Shuttle program.

Neptec working on new Juno rover

Neptec has a new prototype of the Juno rover that it will test out this summer in analogue sites, an employee of the company said at a conference in Ottawa.

Neptec: Rapid laser-guided cameras

On an unassuming industrial campus in an Ottawa suburb there is a hi-tech company with the motto, "More Information, Less Data". Acronym: MILD. An outsider might assume that the building is populated by cerebral thinkers, perhaps working on advanced software for the computer industry.

NASA prepares for space shuttle’s last hurrah

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER — Tim Luu watched the computer screen as he has on three previous space shuttle training missions, but the crowd of international media members and the gaggle of photographers reminded him he wasn’t part of any regular training session. With the crew of STS-135 overhead practicing docking with the International Space Station, the reality that this would be the final space shuttle mission was unavoidable.

STS-134: Focused Inspection clears TPS — Pope blesses the crews

Following the decision made by the Mission Management Team (MMT) to press ahead with a Focused Inspection (FI) on one area of Thermal Protection System (TPS) damage located on Endeavour's belly, the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) was used to gain imagery which has successfully allowed managers to clear the vehicle for entry. Later on Flight Day 6, his Holiness the Pope called the joint crew on orbit and gave his blessing.

Premier Dalton McGuinty congratulates Neptec on winning GML Award

"Congratulations! You have truly earned this prestigious honour — the first ever awarded to a company outside of the United States."

Minister Clement Congratulates First Canadian Recipient of Prestigious NASA Award

Ottawa, February 11, 2011 – The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency, today issued the following statement:

"I am very pleased to congratulate Neptec Design Group Ltd., the first-ever Canadian company to receive NASA's prestigious George M. Low Award. This honour only serves to reinforce the Canadian space industry's position as a leader on the world stage, while showcasing Canadian technology and innovation.

The Canadian Space Agency Congratulates Neptec, Winner of NASA's Prestigious George M. Low Award!

On Thursday, February 10, 2011, the Ottawa-based Neptec Design Group was bestowed the George M. Low Award, NASA's top honour for quality and performance. This recognition marks the first time a non-U.S. company receives this award.

Canadian space and defence firm Neptec Wins U.S. Award

OTTAWA, Feb. 10 /CNW/ - Neptec Design Group, a leader in space, defence and industrial systems and applications, today received the George M. Low Award, NASA's premier honour for quality and performance. This recognition marks the first time a non-U.S. company receives this award.

Ottawa firm wins prestigious NASA award

Neptec Design Group Ltd., an Ottawa-based component supplier for space shuttle missions, has just been honored in a way that no Canadian company has ever been before.

Canada’s Neptec Awarded NASA’s Prestigious George M. Low Award

First non-U.S. company to be recognized

ONE - Ottawa - Neptec Mars Rover

ONE - Ottawa - Neptec Mars Rover | view pictures on flickr

Lunar rover to be built by Ottawa company

Rover to be used on Earth to test technology for space

Neptec further diversifies with $11.5M rover contract

When NASA announced plans to wrap up the space shuttle program roughly five years ago, it signaled the sunset of a market that provided Neptec Design Group Ltd. with more than 80 per cent of its revenues, company officials say.

Neptec nearly over the moon

Ottawa's Neptec Design Group Ltd. will receive $11.5 million in funding from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to complete production of its new Lunar Exploration Light Rover (LELR).

The rover, which is about the size of a child's electric car, is being designed to help astronauts live and work on the surface of the moon, and eventually Mars.

Neptec on CBC News Ottawa

Juno demonstration during the Ministry of Research and Innovation Announcement at Neptec on Monday November 22, 2010

MDA and Neptec Awarded Contracts to Build Lunar Exploration Light Rover Prototypes

In the last week both Neptec and MDA, two of Canada's leading commercial space companies, have been awarded contracts by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to build a Lunar Exploration Light Rover (LELR) prototype. The awards come four and half months after the CSA issued a request for proposals whereby up to two contracts would be awarded for $11.5 million each. Each team has until December 30th, 2012 to complete work on their respective prototypes.

Juno Rover demonstration at Neptec

Juno Rover demonstration at Neptec

Neptec wins Canadian Space Agency contract to develop a new generation of lunar rovers

OTTAWA, Nov. 22 - Neptec Design Group, a leader in space, defence and industrial systems and applications, today announced that it has won a major contract with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to develop the new Lunar Exploration Light Rover (LELR) - an exciting new generation of space exploration technology.

Memorandum of Cooperation between the IASP and the Canadian firm Neptec

On October 4, the International Association of Space Activities Participants (IASP), or МАКД (Международная Ассоциация Космической Деятельности) based in Moscow, and Neptec signed an MoU, thus formally defining the scope of their cooperation.

3-D Scanning and Processing Technologies Help Ensure Safety of NASA Shuttle Discovery

Belly-up scanning at space station creates 3-D model of tiles crucial to orbit reentry

Geocentrix Welcomes Neptec Design Group as a CSDC Sponsor

Geocentrix Technologies Ltd. is pleased to welcome Neptec Design Group Ltd. as a sponsor to the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge.

High tech word wins spelling bee champ a tour with a NASA astronaut

EMC News - When it comes to spelling, 12-year-old Laura Newcombe of Toronto is tough to beat. She recently won a national spelling bee by correctly spelling a word made famous by an Ottawa technology firm.

High 5: Kevin Ford, STS-128 astronaut

Every week, Pars3c profiles an interesting person with connections in the space field. This time it’s Kevin Ford, an astronaut, CAPCOM and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel who has flown in space once so far, as the pilot of STS-128 in August. (Unlike most High 5ers, he’s not on Twitter).

As Ford tells Pars3c, space outreach is something that is simple to do with online tools, and is an important part of education given how important space exploration will be in the coming decades.

Like MDA, Neptec eyes satellite servicing work

"Earlier this week I had the pleasure of hearing astronaut Kevin Ford speak at Neptec, an Ottawa firm that mainly deals with sensors for aerospace applications."

Spelling Her Way into Space

Canadian student Laura Newcombe, who is 11 years old, won a spelling bee after talking about the advanced laser system “TriDAR”. The firm that made TriDAR, Neptec, surprised Laura with a visit from STS-128 astronaut Kevin Ford to honour her achievement.

From shuttle to spelling bee, LiDAR in the light

Until she was asked to spell LiDAR, Laura Newcombe had no idea what it was, but she’s learning a lot about it now.

“I just thought of radar, because it’s like a radar that uses light,” she said. “LiDAR are pretty interesting.”

CAE Advances Anti-Brownout AVS

Montreal-based CAE is promoting technology to help guide pilots through poor-visibility landings using "data fusion" to combine information gleaned from multiple sensors and sources in real-time.

CANSEC Exhibitors Provide Support to Injured Soldiers Donate $30,000 to “Soldier On” Fund

OTTAWA, May 28, 2009 – Today, members of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) donated $30,000 to the Soldier On Fund, a program of the Canadian Forces that helps to rehabilitate ill or injured military personnel.

Canada’s Top 40 Defence Companies

Neptec ranked 22 as CANADA’S 2010 TOP 40 DEFENCE COMPANIES.

Top of Ottawa's tech sector honoured at gala

It was a night to celebrate technology and one of the city's chief economic engines. At the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation annual awards, the best of the city's tech firms were brought to the forefront.

OCRI Honours Information and Communications Tech Excellence

New tools for video distribution, portable media marketing and online education were among the tech developments celebrated in the nation's capital last night.

The Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation, OCRI, honoured several tech companies in the region for innovative work and contributions to the city's knowledge-based sector at its 15th annual Awards gala at the Hilton Lac-Leamy.

OCRI Awards honour business excellence

Ottawa, ON – April 8, 2010 – OCRI, Ottawa’s lead economic development agency, honoured Ottawa’s best and brightest companies, executives and students for their innovative work and contributions to the city’s knowledge-based sector this evening at the 15th annual OCRI Awards gala at the Hilton Lac-Leamy.

OCRI awards celebrate best in Ottawa technology

A total of 34 finalists will be vying for trophies in 11 categories at the 2010 OCRI Awards to be held at the Hilton Lac Leamy on Thursday.

Product of the Year: Neptec Design Group Ltd.; Seprotech Systems Inc.; and DragonWave.

Carrying Canadian seeds, shuttle readies for launch

As shuttle Discovery gets set for a rare twilight launch on Monday, Canadian researchers on Earth will have a treasure trove of experiments and robotics on board doing work along with the STS-131 crew.

Scientists discover evidence of water on the moon

Three major studies and a new NASA expedition are all pointing to a strong chance that the moon has surface water, which could help open the way to further exploration of the solar system.

Neptec: A pony that knew better than to rely on one trick

When Iain Christie, president of Neptec Design Group, took the stage this morning as the keynote speaker at OCRI's first Technology Executive Breakfast of the fall season, he made one thing clear: he wouldn't presume to tell his audience how they should run their business, since it was challenge enough to run his own.

Shuttle docking lets sensor shine

High above the Earth, the docking of the space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station on Sunday signalled the beginning of the latest mission aboard the orbiting outpost.

For engineers at Canadian space technology company Neptec Design Group, it was an opportunity to test a new kind of sensor system under harsh conditions.

Iain Christie talks about TriDAR and its role on STS-128

Adrian Harewood from CBC Radio talks to Iain Christie about TriDAR and its role on STS-128

Iain Christie talks about TriDAR and its role on STS-128

Canada AM's Beverly Thomson Talks to Iain Christie About TriDAR and its Role on STS-128

Birthday girl docks with ISS – TriDAR test for new AR&D Docking System

Discovery celebrated her 25th birthday in style by docking with the International Space Station (ISS) on Flight Day 3 of STS-128. During the Approach Rendezvous and Docking (AR&D) phase of the mission, Discovery helped verify the performance of Neptec’s TriDAR vision system for unmanned AR&D via a Detailed Test Objective (DTO).

Ottawa firm's space 'eyes' going to skies with shuttle

An Ottawa company's "eyes" for space are set to launch to test ways of steering unmanned spaceships to Mars and the moon.

It's hard enough to land a robotic spaceship on Mars, with a landing zone several kilometres wide. Tougher still is the problem of having one spaceship dock precisely with another, all robotically.

NASA Tests Neptec Vision System on STS-128 for Unmanned Docking Operations

Ottawa, Canada — August 24, 2009 — Neptec Design Group, a leader in space, defence and industrial systems and applications, today announced that NASA will be conducting a Detailed Test Objective (DTO) with the company’s TriDAR vision system. The TriDAR vision system provides real-time visual guidance for navigation, rendezvous and docking procedures and is expected to play a critical role in future space exploration missions.

Diversification pays off for Neptec

A track record of innovation and technological success, combined with the determination to adhere to a strategic plan developed earlier this decade, has helped Ottawa's Neptec Design Group Ltd. continue to thrive in hard economic times.

In a New Orbit: Neptec Seeks to Bring Space Experience to Unmanned Systems

Many businesses are getting into the unmanned systems industry these days, bringing their knowledge and abilities in other areas to bear on this growing field. Canada’s Neptec Design Group is no exception, but it’s bringing its expertise all the way from outer space.

Ottawa Morning

Neptec's Ewan Reid talks to Kathleen Petty about what it is like to work at Houston's Mission Control Center.

Building the visual dustbuster

An Ottawa aerospace company that builds equipment to help astronauts see has developed a way for helicopter pilots to see through dust clouds that nearly blind their normal vision.

Neptec Design Group's laser-based "lidar" system has now passed a major field test in a dusty landing zone near Yuma, Arizona.

LiDAR, computer simulation blend in avionics to help helicopter pilots land safely in dust

OTTAWA, 30 April 2009. Helicopter avionics specialists at two CanadIain aerospace companies are blending lidar technology and computer simulation to create a virtual environment for aircraft avionics to enable pilots to land safely in zero-visibility dust, smoke, and fog — especially at night.

CAE and Neptec successfully demonstrate AVS technology to address helicopter operations in brownout conditions

Montreal, April 28, 2009 — (NYSE: CGT; TSX: CAE) — CAE and Neptec Design Group today announced the successful demonstration of Neptec’s Obscurant Penetrating Autosynchronous LIDAR (OPAL) sensor that is integrated into CAE’s Augmented Visionics System (AVS). CAE’s AVS solution is being developed to enable helicopter pilots to operate safely in the most extreme conditions, including landing in brownouts when dust recirculation caused by rotor downwash obscures the pilot’s view during critical maneuvering operations at very low altitudes.

Canadians demonstrate brownout vision aid

CAE and Neptec Design Group have successfully demonstrated a synthetic vision system that fuses real-time landscape captured by a Neptec-built light detection and ranging (Lidar) sensor with a CAE-built terrain database.

Canada has moon rover project in development

The Canadian Space Agency has contracted out two concept developments for a lunar rover that could support future manned missions. Two major space technology companies are working on different designs for the vehicles — one that would drill into the moon, and another that astronauts could live inside for short periods.

Canadian technology shields astronauts from close encounters of the worst kind

As NASA's ageing fleet of space shuttles wrap up work on the International Space Station, Canadian technology continues to play a crucial role in keeping astronauts safe. Whether it's inspecting the belly of a shuttle for launch-related damage or moving the space station out of the way of a piece of space debris, Canada is behind the technology. Astronaut Chris Hadfield talks about Canada's space legacy.

Business @ Night - Local Profile: Neptec Design Group

Greg speaks with Jason Di Tammaso, newly appointed Vice President of Global Marketing and Strategic Development at Neptec Design Group which has just been awarded three contracts by the Canadian Space Agency.

Neptec signs deals with Canadian Space Agency

A trio of recently inked agreements with the Canadian Space Agency will help local aerospace firm Neptec push its research into the emerging generation of space technologies, according to Jason Di Tommaso, the firm's vice-president of global marketing and strategic development.

Neptec Adds Expertise To Management Team and Announces Three Contract Wins

Ottawa, Canada — March 10, 2009 — Neptec Design Group, a leader in space, defence and industrial systems and applications, today announced the appointment of Jason Di Tommaso to the position of Vice President of Global Marketing and Strategic Development, and the awarding of three contracts by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to provide advanced systems technology expertise in support of Canada’s space exploration program.

Ottawa's Neptec Design wins space agency deals

Neptec Design Group said it has won three Canadian Space Agency contracts worth $1.6 million. They included technology to utilize the Mars Sample Return Mission, the Japanese SELENE2 Mission and plans for an Excavation Lunar Rover.

Visible: A Cure for Brownouts

A persistent problem for U.S. helicopters in Afghanistan has been landing amid brownout conditions. Light reflecting from the fine particles of dust kicked up by sandstorms or a helicopter's own rotor blades often leave pilots flying blind and unable to see poles, trenches and other hazards.

Backgrounder — The Outstanding Achievement Award

The Government of Canada introduced the Outstanding Achievement Award in 1966. Considered to be the most prestigious award in the Public Service, this award is presented to senior public servants who have distinguished themselves by a sustained commitment to excellence, with an emphasis on modernizing service delivery, building the Public Service as a vibrant national institution geared to future needs, or enhancing Canadian interests in the global market. A total of 82 awards have been conferred since the program’s inception, including this year’s recipients.

CSA Long-Term Space Plan to Involve Multiple Canadian Companies

It was 25 years ago that Ottawa invested in MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates’ Canadarm — a project that has paid off both economically and in bragging rights — and it seems the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is looking to return the nation to the forefront of space exploration and development.

Turning Lunar Dust into Gold

On Hawaii’s Mauna Kea volcano, which rises over 13,000 feet above sea level, there is a mid-level base facility where scientists can pretend they are on the moon. Hawaii’s volcanic terrain, soil and remote environment provide an ideal environment for testing instruments and equipment that someday may be used by astronauts at a lunar base.

CSA head works on long-term space plan as Canadian moon rover is developed

MONTREAL — An all-Canadian moon rover is just one project being considered as the head of the Canadian Space Agency puts the final touches on a long-term plan to chart its future course.

Steve MacLean, who took over the agency last September, has spent the past few months consulting with industry, academics and government departments.

Canadian-made robot is NASA astronauts’ new best friend

He sounds like a science fiction character, but “Dextre,” a robotic creation of the Canadian Space Agency, is the real thing.

An ongoing relationship between Canada and NASA reached a new level with the delivery of Dextre, a massive, $200 million robot designed to go into space as a helping hand for astronauts by reducing the number of trips they have to make outside the space station.

Canadian Firms Working On Lunar Rover Proposal For NASA

Canada.com (12/4, Spears) reports, "Canada is quietly putting together a proposal to build NASA an all-Canadian moon rover - a vehicle with a pressurized air cabin that astronauts could use without wearing bulky helmets and air tanks.

Canada looks to build next moon rover

OTTAWA — Canada is quietly putting together a proposal to build NASA an all-Canadian moon rover — a vehicle with a pressurized air cabin that astronauts could use without wearing bulky helmets and air tanks.

One space industry executive says this could be Canada's next big area of expertise after the Canadarms.

Manufacturing solutions earn Ottawa companies funding

In a bid to bump up manufacturing innovation, a pair of Ottawa companies and Algonquin College have received funding to solve pressing commercial problems in manufacturing.

Precarn Inc., a not-for-profit technology promoter that is also based in Ottawa, provided $2.5 million altogether to six companies across the country.

Canadian-built eyes could guide lunar rovers

OTTAWA — When NASA returns to the moon, Canadian-built eyes could show its lunar rovers where to drive.

A team from Ottawa's Neptec Design Group, a NASA prime contractor, has just returned from two weeks of testing its new guidance system in Hawaii. So far, the news is good.

Neptec Takes Canadian Innovation to the Moon

OTTAWA, Nov. 26 /CNW/ — Neptec Design Group, a leader in real-time 3D data acquisition and processing systems, is pleased to announce the recently completed successful lunar field trials of the TriDAR sensor at Mauna Kea, Hawaii. The TriDAR sensor was used for autonomous navigation of the lunar rover and for lunar drill site selection during NASA's and CSA's In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) trials.

NASA Tests Lunar Rovers and Oxygen Production Technology

HILO, Hawaii, Nov 13, 2008 / PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX / — NASA has concluded nearly two weeks of testing equipment and lunar rover concepts on Hawaii's volcanic soil. The agency's In Situ Resource Utilization Project, which studies ways astronauts can use resources found at landing sites, demonstrated how people might prospect for resources on the moon and make their own oxygen from lunar rocks and soil.

NASA Tests Rovers and Oxygen Production Technology in Hawaii

The PILOT system is shown with Lockheed Martin's Bucketwheel on a lander the size of the Phoenix spacecraft currently on Mars. PILOT could produce up to one quarter of the oxygen needed to sustain a crew of four on the moon.

View hi-resolution image NASA has concluded nearly two weeks of testing equipment and lunar rover concepts in Hawaii. The islands' volcanic terrain, rock distribution and soil materials provide a high-quality simulation of the moon's polar region. One of many field demonstrations developed by NASA's Exploration Technology Development Program, these tests provides valuable information and help engineers and scientists spot complications that might not be obvious in laboratories.

NASA Tests Lunar Rovers And Oxygen Production Technology

NASA has concluded nearly two weeks of testing equipment and lunar rover concepts on Hawaii's volcanic soil.

The agency's In Situ Resource Utilization Project, which studies ways astronauts can use resources found at landing sites, demonstrated how people might prospect for resources on the moon and make their own oxygen from lunar rocks and soil.

Boldly go

Lucky Steve MacLean. His first day on the job in September, the boss dropped by and gave him a massive workload: Take 60 days and write a whole new Long Term Space Plan, a blueprint for Canada's space explorations.

Plenty of people are already telling him what to say in it.

Hot seat on the helm

The first task of Steve MacLean, the newly appointed president of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), will be to thaw the chill surrounding the country's reputation in space.

The agency he heads has not had a permanent president in three years. In 2008 alone, two astronauts retired and the maker of the Canadarm, a national symbol, was almost sold to a firm in the United States.

Steve MacLean named head of space agency

Astronaut Steve MacLean, who flew on two space shuttle missions to the International Space Station, will chart a new course as the head of Canadian Space Agency, Industry Minister Jim Prentice said Tuesday.

Prentice named MacLean, 53, to the position of president for the CSA while speaking to an audience at Cambridge, Ont.-based space hardware firm COM DEV International. Prentice hailed MacLean as a "modern hero" who is highly respected in academic and industrial circles.

MacLean's CSA appointment expected to benefit Ottawa aerospace firms

Astronaut Steve MacLean's appointment Tuesday as president of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) will be a boon for Ottawa's aerospace industry due to his long-standing work in the area, said a representative of the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation.

"When I was president of Lansdowne Technologies, we actually did a fair amount of work with the space agency and the astronaut program and Steve," said Mike Darch, the executive director of the centre's marketing group.

Case study: LiDAR system provides helicopter pilots a clear line of sight in brownouts

Today’s combat zones are inundated with threats – enemy fire, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and mines are a few of the imminent dangers that each war fighter faces. One threat that has become a major focus in recent years is vision obstruction in a helicopter’s landing zone, caused by brownouts and whiteouts. However, a new modified LiDAR system is providing 3D images to help increase pilots’ situational awareness.

'We're ready to rock 'n' roll in space'

When the minister in charge of Canada's space program started talking about a new Canadian drive to space recently, it raised questions about whether there's a new grand vision for space.

No, there isn't. But that's almost an afterthought, and one that doesn't matter much. Canada is busy in space without any grand visions.

Think "small picture" instead, say the real experts — the people who are actually building Canadian satellites and lasers and robots and all the rest. Including, for instance, Iain Christie, president of Neptec Design Group in Ottawa.

Prentice pushes vision of Canada as a star in space exploration

Canada must push into space the way the Elizabethans explored the oceans and new continents, says Canada's industry minister.

Expanding space development will build a "critical mass" of thinkers and industries that will do things no other country can do — and will make money for Canada, Jim Prentice says.

CEO says Canadian Space Agency hindered by lack of leadership

MONTREAL — The head of a leading space company is complaining that Canadian Space Agency operations are being hindered because of a lack of leadership.

Since Marc Garneau left in November 2005 for his first run at federal politics, the CSA has had four presidents. Three of them have acted as interim heads of the agency. "I think the lack of leadership for space in Canada has had consequences on our ability to fulfil our ambitions," John Keating, the CEO of COM DEV International Ltd., told The Canadian Press.

Flying blind

Hailed as a triumph for Canadian sovereignty, the federal government's decision to block the proposed sale of key units of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. - Canada's leading space business - to an American firm could signal a turning point for Canada's space industry.

What direction the industry moves in from here rests largely with the government, say industry observers.

NASA shows off rover armed with Canadian-made drill

The rover, dubbed Scarab, was built by researchers at the Robotics Institute of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh but includes contributions from two Canadian companies known for their work in space robotics.

While the rover won't actually make the trip to the moon, NASA hopes it will allow them to test the requirements needed for a rover capable of drilling into lunar soil and rock.

NASA Team Demonstrates Robot Technology For Moon Exploration

CLEVELAND — During the 3rd Space Exploration Conference Feb. 26-28 in Denver, NASA will exhibit a robot rover equipped with a drill designed to find water and oxygen-rich soil on the moon.

"Resources are the key to sustainable outposts on the moon and Mars," said Bill Larson, deputy manager of the In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) project. "It's too expensive to bring everything from Earth. This is the first step toward understanding the potential for lunar resources and developing the knowledge needed to extract them economically."

In space, on Earth – Relying on 3D technology to quickly deliver critical information

Ensuring the safety of NASA’s space shuttles, the technology used to develop the Laser Camera System (LCS) is now also being used to streamline information in military and defense applications right here on Earth.

STS-118 Crew Visit Neptec

OTTAWA, Canada — October 29, 2007 — Today at 1:30 p.m. ET, Neptec Design Group, a leader in intelligent 3D vision systems for military, manufacturing and aerospace applications, will be hosting a visit from the crew of the STS-118 Endeavour Shuttle mission. The crew, which includes Canadian astronaut Dave Williams, will provide Neptec with an overview of the mission and discuss the success of Neptec's Laser Camera System (LCS).

Honoured by NASA

Ottawa's Neptec Design Group is given an award by NASA for its outstanding performance on the recent STS-118 Orbiter Mission. Neptec's Laser Camera System (LCS) team was nominated by the mission's crew and lead flight directors for its "exceptional efforts in the development and operation of the LCS," which provided the critical tile damage assessment that allowed NASA to clear Endeavour for entry into the Earth's atmosphere.

Neptec Receives NASA Award for its Role on STS-118 Mission

OTTAWA, Canada — September 21, 2007 — Neptec Design Group, a leader in intelligent 3D vision systems for military, manufacturing and aerospace applications, today announced that it has been recognized by NASA for its outstanding performance on the STS-118 Orbiter Mission. In a ceremony held last night at the Houston Space Center, NASA acknowledged the important contribution of the STS-118 Orbiter Project and Engineering Teams.

Neptec on A Channel

A Channel's Dash Reid Talks to Mike Kearns About STS-118

Neptec on CTV Newsnet

Mike Kearns Discusses the LCS with CTV Newsnet

Fissure: les astronautes d'accord avec la décision de la NASA

L'équipage de la mission STS-118, dont fait partie le Canadien Dave Williams, approuve entièrement la décision de la NASA de ne pas réparer une tuile endommagée sur le ventre de la navette Endeavour.

Lors d'une conférence vidéo des astronautes hier, le commandant Scott Kelly a salué l'attitude de la NASA dans le processus décisionnel. «Deux équipes indépendantes ont examiné la situation, a-t-il rappelé. Je suis content que ça ait été si long avant de rendre une décision. Cela veut dire qu'il se sont donné plus de temps.»

The Endeavour's Damaged Tiles

Paul Brent CTV News Talks to Neptec about the Endeavour's Damaged Tiles

Space walk in the park

HOUSTON — As he soared high above the Pacific Ocean, Canadian astronaut Dave Williams took a moment to marvel at the view while on a spacewalk to replace a broken part on the International Space Station.

"This is the most amazing ride I've ever had," Williams said yesterday.

L'histoire se répète pour la NASA

À peine remise de la tragédie de la navette Columbia qui a explosé lors de son retour sur Terre en 2003, la NASA vit de nouveaux moments d'angoisse avec la mission Endeavour. D'importantes fissures ont été observées sur le bouclier thermique de l'appareil et la NASA hésite à les réparer.

NASA ponders space shuttle repair

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA.-NASA conducted a swift series of tests on the ground yesterday to determine whether spacewalking astronauts need to fix a deep gouge in Endeavour's belly for re-entry, and assembled a special team to weigh three repair options. The gouge is relatively small - 2.5 cm long and less than 0.6 cm wide — but part of it penetrates through the protective thermal tiles, leaving just a thin layer of coated felt over the space shuttle's aluminum frame to keep out the more than 1,260C heat of re-entry.

Exclusive images of Endeavour's damaged tiles

Neptec Design Group, a Canadian company and a NASA prime contractor for 25 space missions, was kind enough to send me exclusive images of Endeavour's damaged tiles during its last take-off. So here are some of these pictures provided by Neptec. For more information, please read a recent interview with Iain Christie, the Neptec's president.

L'équipage d'Endeavour fait une deuxième sortie dans l'espace

Deux astronautes de la navette américaine Endeavour ont entamé hier une sortie dans l'espace pour remplacer des équipements de la station spatiale internationale (ISS). La NASA, de son côté, doit décider si l'équipage devra ou non réparer une entaille sur le ventre du vaisseau avant son retour sur Terre.

Les astronautes Dave Williams et Rick Mastracchio effectuaient la deuxième sortie de la mission, sortant de la navette pour remplacer l'un des quatre gyroscopes contrôlant l'orientation de l'ISS. Le gyroscope défectueux depuis octobre 2006 sera lui stocké à bord de la station avant d'être rapporté sur Terre lors d'une prochaine mission.

Astronauts Upgrade Station; NASA Ponders Shuttle Fix (Update1)

Aug. 13 (Bloomberg) — Astronauts replaced a broken gyroscope outside the space station today as NASA considered another spacewalk to repair damaged heat tiles on the visiting shuttle Endeavour.

The 600-pound (270-kilogram) gyroscope, installed by U.S. astronaut Rick Mastracchio and Canadian Dave Williams, is one of four that control the station's orientation, NASA said. The device helps keep the outpost level as it orbits the Earth and cuts the need for energy-draining stabilization jets.

Ottawa tech company aids space mission

Technology from an Ottawa company is helping NASA decide what kind of precautions it should take prior to the space shuttle Endeavour.

Ten Neptec staffers from the 80-person Kanata-based firm are in Houston, supporting the NASA space mission, the sixth such mission since the Columbia space shuttle burned up on re-entry in 2003, killing its crew.

Local Company Helps Astronaut

The crewmembers of the space shuttle Endeavour have been in space for 5 days. Thanks to a local company, they will get to spend more time there.

The shuttle is believed to have been damaged during its flight into orbit.

Deuxième sortie réussie

Les astronautes Dave Williams et Rick Mastracchio ont achevé lundi avec succès leur deuxième sortie dans l'espace de la mission STS-118.

L'astronaute canadien et son collègue américain ont remplacé un gyroscope défectueux de la Station spatiale internationale (SSI). Ce gyroscope est l'un des quatre instruments qui contrôlent l'orientation de la SSI.

Canadian 3-D system takes closer look at Endeavour shuttle damage

MONTREAL (CP) — A Canadian-made 3-D scanning system is inspecting a dent in space shuttle Endeavour's underbelly to determine whether extensive repair work will be needed to the craft's heat shield before a return to Earth next week.

Atlantis successfully blasts off into space

The space shuttle Atlantis made a grand exit from Earth's gravity Friday night, lifting seven astronauts into space towards the international space station.

The shuttle launched from Cape Canaveral at 7:38 p.m. ET, leaving a trail of smoke across the sky.

Neptec System Boards Atlantis

OTTAWA, Canada, June 8, 2007 — NASA's STS-117 mission marks the 20th flight for the Space Vision System (SVS) created by Neptec Design Group, an Ottawa developer of 3-D vision systems for military, manufacturing and aerospace applications.

Designed to help construct the International Space Station (ISS), the SVS provides astronauts with position and attitude cues during assembly.

A talk with Neptec before Atlantis launch

The countdown for the launch of space shuttle mission STS-117 is going well and a liftoff of the shuttle Atlantis tomorrow evening is highly possible. One of the goals of this NASA mission is to expand the International Space Station (ISS) by adding two 17.5 tons trusses to it. To do so, the astronauts will rely on the Space Vision System (SVS) developed by the Neptec Design Group which will provide them with position and attitude cues during assembly. Despite his busy schedule, Iain Christie, Neptec's president, talked with me today about his company, his relationship with NASA, and about the future. The photo on the left has been taken by his daughter Emma. Below are some excerpts of our conversation.

People on the Move

Iain Christie has been with Neptec for more than 15 years, and will now be leading their business operations. Mr. Christie was both the director of research and development as well as the director of communications, has worked in mission control center and spent 18 months in Neptec's Houston office in 1994-1995. He also managed the development of the original laser camera system which is now used to scan the exterior of the shuttle for damage prior to its re-entry to earth. Previously, Mr. Christie was a reserve artillery officer for 12 years and retired in 1993 as a major. He holds a PhD. in physics from the University of Ottawa.

Neptec Announces New Appointments

Paul Nephin, CEO of Neptec announced the following appointments:

• Iain Christie will assume the role of President
• Mike Kearns becomes the Vice President of Automated Rendezvous and Docking Sensors
• Phil Church becomes the Vice President of Military and Industrial sensors
• Larisa Beach continues in the role of Vice President of Space Robotic Sensors

Neptec Makes Three Executive Appointments

Neptec makes three executive appointments, promoting Iain Christie (top left), Mike Kearns (right) and Phil Church (bottom left). Iain is named president, and as such will lead business operations. With the company now for more than 15 years, he was previously director of research and development as well as director of communications. Iain spent 18 months at Neptec's Houston office in the mid-90s, working at Mission Control Center where he developed the laser camera system which is used to scan the exterior of the shuttle for damage prior to re-entry. Iain earned a PhD in physics from uOttawa in 1994. He was a reserve artillery officer for 12 years and retired in 1993 with the rank of Major. Iain enjoys time with his family and practices digital photography and karate.

Neptec and Terrapoint jointly develop real-time imaging technology

MAY 1 — Neptec Design Group (Ottawa, ON, Canada; www.neptec.com), a manufacturer of intelligent 3-D vision systems for military, manufacturing, and aerospace applications, has announced its partnership with Terrapoint Canada (Ottawa, ON, Canada; www.terrapoint.com), a provider of lidar (light detection and ranging) data for civil-engineering applications. The partnership will provide each company with the ability to enhance its product offerings in its respective fields, generating new intelligent scanning systems. Though the companies work in different industries, the Ontario Centres of Excellence (www.oce-ontario.org) recognized the similarities in the technology and brought the two companies together.

Neptec scans a partner

Neptec Design Group and Terrapoint Canada Inc. have partnered to create new scanning systems for civil engineering and military applications.

Neptec and Terrapoint Join Forces to Develop New Real-Time Imaging Technology

Neptec Design Group, a leader in intelligent 3D vision systems for military, manufacturing and aerospace applications, today announced its partnership with Terrapoint Canada Inc. ("Terrapoint"), a provider of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data for civil engineering applications. The partnership will provide each company with the ability to enhance its product offerings in its respective fields, generating new intelligent scanning systems. Though the companies work in different industries, the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) recognized the similarities in the technology and brought the two companies together.

Local firms Neptec, Terrapoint team up

Ottawa's Neptec Design Group is leveraging its expertise in intelligent 3D vision systems through a partnership orchestrated by provincially funded technology incubator the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE).

Neptec focuses on the military, manufacturing and aerospace markets and has received a lot of media attention over the past couple of years for its inspection system used in NASA's Space Shuttle program. It will team with another local firm, Terrapoint Canada Inc., which specializes in LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data for civil engineering applications.

Leading space technology projects get $10.3M in funding

Longueuil, QC — The design of new space technologies and applications is the focus of $10.3 million in funding from the federal government for 36 research and development contracts.

The contracts were awarded through the Canadian Space Agency's space technology development program. The 36 companies will develop a range of space technologies, including:

Ottawa: Six firms win space contracts

The Canadian Space Agency has given six Ottawa companies contracts worth nearly $1.9 million to research and develop new space technologies and applications. Delivered through the agency's Space Technology Development Program, the contracts are among 36 projects totaling $10.3 million awarded to companies nationwide.

CSA backing R&D at six local companies

The Canadian Space Agency has given six Ottawa companies contracts worth nearly $1.9 million to research and develop new space technologies and applications. Delivered through the agency's Space Technology Development Program, the contracts are among 36 projects totaling $10.3 million awarded to companies nationwide.

Space tech experts

The exciting potential of space exploration has held the public's attention for decades. From Jules Verne's book From the Earth to the Moon, penned more than140 years ago, to CGI-laden space movies and the real-life exploits of a manned moon landing, deep-space probes, satellites and zero-gravity experiments: space exploration is both exciting, and surprisingly commonplace. And leaps in Canadian technological know-how are now creating more home-grown opportunities for investment in space exploration.

From Niche Player to Key Contributor

Canadian space engineering has made significant strides since the cancellation of a major aeronautics program nearly 50 years ago. In responding to identified need, and by taking advantage of new opportunities and partnerships, Canadian engineers are now key players in the next generation of space exploration.

Working in 3D: Increase your measure of success

Neptec Design Group is proving that its Intelligence in Three Dimensions approach is fundamental to making 3D systems work in today's manufacturing environment. Based on the idea that 3D data can be used in real-time applications, even over relatively modest bandwidth data links, Neptec developed real-time object recognition and tracking systems that were designed for and tested onboard the space shuttle. Neptec is now bringing its latest offering, the Laser Metrology System (LMS), to the manufacturing industry.

System inspects space-shuttle tiles

The Neptec Design Group designed and built a laser camera system (LCS) to assist NASA in determining damage incurred to the space shuttle's thermal-protection tiles during the Discovery's 'Return to Flight' STS-114 mission in August 2005. The system showed that there was no threat to the crew on re-entry. Areas of interest located on the shuttle's tiles were first identified from video cameras collocated with Neptec's LCS, as well as from high-definition digital pictures taken from the International Space Station. The areas were then scanned by the LCS to determine the amount of damage, if any, that occurred.

Intelligence in three dimensions: we live in a 3-D world, and so should computers

Intelligent three-dimensional vision systems do work, yet their reputation for in-the-field use has been more science fiction than fact.

Since the inception of the camera, military and intelligence agencies have relied on imagery to verify, inform, and visualize objects. While pictures can tell a story, the story is from the point of view from which the photo was taken, making them at best ambiguous and at worst misleading. When making critical decisions in tight timelines, this can be dangerous.

Space-age technology offers snapshot of crop health

Canada's $2-billion greenhouse industry depends on lighting, heating and cooling — three costly commodities in a northern climate. With rising energy prices, University of Guelph growers and researchers are looking to space technology for ways to screen and select healthy, energy efficient plants. It's led them to Canadian-made 3D Laser Camera System (LCS) that could help them identify cultivars that flourish in less-than-optimal conditions.

OPTOELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS: DEFENSE & SECURITY - Intelligent video makes real-time surveillance a reality

For years, security guards in movies and on television have often been portrayed as bumbling fools or sleepy senior citizens. Truth is, sitting in front of a bank of video monitors for hours at a time is a mind-numbing job, rife with opportunities for "the bad guys" to get away with nefarious acts and leaving law enforcement with hours of tape to slog through after the fact as they search for clues to "who dunnit" and what "it" is.

Neptec and NASA Get Back to Business Building the International Space Station

OTTAWA, Canada — August 21, 2006 — Neptec Design Group, a provider of intelligent 3D vision systems, announced today that its scanning and docking technologies will be supporting the Atlantis crew on flight STS-115, 'Return to Assembly'. Neptec's Laser Camera System (LCS), used on NASA's two most recent missions will scan critical areas of the shuttle's exterior to ensure no damage occurred to the shuttle's thermal tiles on takeoff. Also onboard is Neptec's Space Vision System, now known as the Orbiter SVS or OSVS. Its purpose is to support the flight's main mission, to resume building the International Space Station (ISS). The Atlantis is currently scheduled for launch on Sunday, August 27th at 4:30 p.m. ET from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Neptec back in the spotlight for shuttle mission

Ottawa's Neptec Design Group will be doing double duty on the upcoming flight of the space shuttle Atlantis.

Neptec's laser camera system, which has been used on NASA's two most recent missions, will once again scan critical areas of the shuttle's exterior to ensure no damage occurred to the vehicle's thermal tiles on takeoff. Also onboard will be Neptec's space vision system, now known as the Orbiter SVS or OSVS. It will be used during the shuttle's main mission - resuming construction of the International Space Station.

Kanata firm's technology aims to bring shuttle safely home

A Kanata company is part of the U.S. space agency's efforts to quell safety concerns about the latest mission of the space shuttle Discovery, which is due to be launched this afternoon from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida.

New technique enables handling 3D sensor information

Neptec Design Group, Houston, Texas, has unveiled Intelligence in Three Dimensions, or 3Di, an advancement in 3D sensor systems that reduces the time and bandwidth needed to process 3D data. The technology can be used for any application where timely, effective decision-making is of critical importance, such as in homeland security, military, robotics and manufacturing applications.

Neptec to Shuttle to space

Ottawa-based Neptec Design Group, a provider of 3D vision systems, has completed its final preparations for NASA's flight STS-121. NASA will use Neptec's Laser Camera System to inspect critical areas of the shuttle Discovery's exterior while in orbit, to ensure the shuttle is safe to return through Earth's atmosphere. The mission is scheduled to launch July 1 at 3:48 p.m. Eastern Time from the Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral.

Discovery's safety checked by laser

I've told you last year about Neptec's Laser Camera System (LCS) used to see if it was safe for NASA's shuttles to come back to Earth (see here or there). Now, the Ottawa Business Journal reports that NASA will check the exterior of Discovery from the ground to improve safety. In two days, if weather is fine, this laser system will be on board of Discovery when it's launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. But read more.

Neptec prepares for another voyage of Discovery

Staff at Ottawa's Neptec Design Group are gearing up for another space mission.

Neptec's 3D laser camera system will be on board the space shuttle Discovery when it blasts into space this weekend from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

Neptec Ready for Action on Shuttle Discovery's Flight

Neptec Design Group, a provider of intelligent 3D vision systems, today announced it has completed its final preparations for NASA's flight STS-121. NASA will use Neptec's Laser Camera System (LCS) to inspect critical areas of the shuttle Discovery's exterior, while in orbit, to ensure the shuttle is safe to return through Earth's atmosphere. The mission is scheduled to launch on July 1st at 3:48 p.m. ET from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.

Neptec Ready for Action on Space Shuttle Discovery's Flight

OTTAWA, Canada — June 27, 2006 — Neptec Design Group, a provider of intelligent 3D vision systems, today announced it has completed its final preparations for NASA's flight STS-121. NASA will use Neptec's Laser Camera System (LCS) to inspect critical areas of the shuttle Discovery's exterior, while in orbit, to ensure the shuttle is safe to return through Earth's atmosphere. The mission is scheduled to launch on July 1st at 3:48 p.m. ET from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.

The Eyes of the Space Shuttle

Now that Discovery astronaut Steve Robinson has successfully removed two pieces of fabric poking out of the shuttle's heat shield, a question remains: how did NASA discover these anomalies in the first place? In this article, Forbes.com writes that NASA can say thank you to a private Canadian company, Neptec, and its Laser Camera system (LCS).

Scans from Discovery Taken in Orbit

Now that Discovery astronaut Steve Robinson has successfully removed two pieces of fabric poking out of the shuttle's heat shield, a question remains: how did NASA discover these anomalies in the first place?

The Eyes Of The Space Shuttle

As the space shuttle Discovery, safely docked at the International Space Station, undergoes close inspection for external damage to its underside today, the company responsible for the 3-D imaging system is focusing its sights on lucrative projects closer to home.

RETURN TO SPACE: TROUBLESHOOTING; Intense Hunt for Signs of Damage Could Raise Problems of Its Own

Now that the Discovery is in orbit, the examination begins. Its 12 1/2-day mission will be the most photographed in the history of the shuttle program, with all eyes on the craft to see if it suffered the kind of damage from blastoff debris that brought down the Columbia in February 2003.

Canadian Company Holds NASA Contract

More hinges on the space shuttle Discovery's mission than just getting NASA's space program off the ground again. Returning to orbit is key for Ottawa-based, technology company, Neptec. 2005-07-18

Canadian company to help keep space shuttle safe

A Canadian company will play a critical role in helping the next space shuttle get back to Earth safely.

As NASA prepares for a July takeoff, Ottawa's Neptec is set to inspect the shuttle Discovery for damage while in space.