Bubble Technology Industries Wins $5.5M Contract to Develop Space Radiation Detection Tool for Astronauts

Canadian Space Agency Invests in Advanced Neutron Radiation Monitoring for the ISS and Future Moon Missions

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has awarded a $5.5 million CAD contract to Ontario-based Bubble Technology Industries (BTI) to develop cutting-edge technology designed to protect astronauts from harmful space radiation. The company, headquartered in Chalk River, will build the Canadian Active Neutron Spectrometer (CANS), a compact and autonomous tool that measures neutron radiation exposure aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and future deep-space missions.

Radiation safety has emerged as a major concern as international space organizations get ready for large-scale lunar and Mars exploration projects. Astronauts are exposed to cosmic radiation while in space, which can cause radiation sickness, damage to bone marrow, and an elevated risk of cancer in the long run. Neutron radiation, which are extremely penetrating particles created when atoms lose their electrons and only the nucleus is left, makes up around 30% of the radiation within spacecraft. The CANS system is made especially to identify and monitor this harmful form of radiation in real time.

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized that the new technology will provide researchers with “practical data to help protect astronauts from harmful radiation.” Beyond space exploration, the innovation is expected to benefit nuclear energy and medical sectors on Earth, where radiation exposure monitoring is equally critical.

BTI is no stranger to space research. The company previously secured a Phase A CSA contract worth $505,000 to prototype CANS and supplied “bubble monitors” for the Radi-N2 experiment conducted on the ISS by astronaut Chris Hadfield.

Founded in 1988, BTI specializes in radiation detection systems for defense and aerospace. Its flagship FlexSpec neutron sensor and portable RadCompass devices are widely used by military personnel and first responders. With this latest contract, BTI strengthens Canada’s leadership in space radiation protection technology and astronaut safety innovation.