Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation Wins New CSA Funding to Power Canada’s Deep Space Missions

October 19, 2026

With support from the Canadian Space Agency, CSMC breaks new ground to grow Canada’s suite of space nuclear power solutions.

Toronto, ON, October 14, 2026 – Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation (CSMC) is proud to announce that it has received a $350,000 contribution from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) under the Space Technology Development Program (STDP) to develop a conceptual design for a radioisotope power system (RPS) capable of supporting spacecraft and deep space missions.

Project Khyber, which will be jointly funded by CSA and CSMC, will enable CSMC to design a system capable of generating energy using radioisotope heat sources to provide reliable heat and power in the extreme cold and darkness of deep space. Designed for long-duration exploration, the technology could support spacecraft and lunar rovers operating in harsh environments where other power sources may not be practical.

The project will advance the conceptual design of the system, with a focus on meeting the size, weight and power requirements of future lunar vehicles. By developing this critical capability in Canada, the project will help strengthen Canada's leadership and sovereignty in space technologies.

While the Government of Canada has also announced parallel investments in domestic isotope manufacturing, CSMC's contract is focused on a distinct and complementary challenge: engineering the power systems that convert those isotopes into usable, reliable energy for space.

“This project underscores the important role CSMC is playing in Canada’s space and nuclear future,” said Daniel Sax, CEO and Founder of CSMC. “From micro-reactors here on Earth to radioisotope power systems in deep space, we are building a full family of power solutions capable of keeping Canada’s missions running wherever they need to go. CSMC is honoured to be a partner in Canada’s – and humanity’s – space-faring future.”

Radioisotope power systems provide a dependable source of heat and electricity independent of sunlight, making them essential for missions operating far from the sun or in permanently shadowed environments, such as lunar craters, deep space probes, and long-duration planetary missions. By developing Canadian expertise in this area, CSMC is ensuring Canada has a leading seat at the table, as it develops the next generation of space power technology.

This latest project builds on CSMC's growing portfolio of space and nuclear innovation, including its LunaPure water purification system, winner of the CSA's Aqualunar Challenge, as well as funding received earlier this year from CSA to study the potential for lunar power generation, and mining and resource utilization on the moon.

About Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation (CSMC)

Founded in 2020, Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation (formerly Canadian Space Mining Corporation) is a Canadian space and defence company developing mission-critical technologies at the intersection of energy, resources, and sovereignty. Through its subsidiaries - CSMC Nuclear and CSMC Labs - the company is advancing innovation in microreactor systems, energy resilience, and dual-use technologies to support Canada's strategic missions on Earth and beyond.