For the first time – and while Canada is working to earn a spot in the crowded global space race – the federal government has hired a woman to lead the Canadian space agency.
The Government of Canada today announced the appointment of Lisa Campbell to replace Sylvain Laport as President of CISA. In a news release announcing her appointment, she said the new appointments to key agencies and departments “respect the principle of diversity”.
“One thing I’ve learned through my career is that you are a big dreamer and you have to reach out for your own stars. So throughout my career I have tried to do that,” Campbell told CBC News. “I am humbled and honored with this opportunity.”
Campbell is taking CSA as Canada creates a new course in space research by partnering with the international community on a new lunar program.
Canada is working with other countries to build a space station for lunar orbit – Lunar Gateway Project. The station is being billed as a laboratory and, as the CSA puts it, “a step up” for future operations on Mars. One of Canada’s contributions to the US-led mission is an artificial intelligence-based robotic system, Canadorm3.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2019 $ 2.05 billion Towards Canada’s space program in 24 years and in five years 150 million towards the Lunar Gateway.
Campbell joins the CSA as Associate Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs Canada and, earlier, as Assistant Minister of Defense and Maritime Assistance.
See | Campbell was excited by the time of her appointment
“Lisa Campbell has worked tirelessly in the service of Canadians throughout her career and has the experience and capabilities to take the agency forward on future explorations,” Innovation, Science and Industry Minister Navdeep Bynes said in a news release.
See | CBC News: Canada joins the Lunar Gateway Moon Mission (2019)
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