Manitoba-designed satellite heading to International Space Station
A project created by students and faculty at the University of Manitoba will be blasting off into space later this spring to conduct research.
A Cube Satellite (CubeSat) known as Iris developed by the U of M has been selected by the Canadian Space Agency to be transported to the International Space Station. It will eventually be placed into space for asteroid research.
“It’s amazing to be able to say at 23 that I get to contribute to a satellite going into space,” said Andrew Bowman, project manager for the Iris CubeSat mission. “And for all of us who contribute to this, it's amazing to start our careers in aerospace engineering with an actual satellite actually going to the ISS and into space.”
Iris is roughly the size of a two-litre milk carton. Bowman said it will carry geologic samples and expose them directly to the sun. Images of the samples will be taken to be used for research back on Earth.
“They’re going to analyze how they age so that we can learn some things about how asteroids and the moon age under the effects of the sun in space,” Bowman said.
The Canadarm will be used to send Iris out into space for the research.
The launch is scheduled for June 1.
- With files from CTV’s Jon Hendricks
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Singh calling for foreign interference special rapporteur Johnston to step aside
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is pushing for special rapporteur David Johnston to 'step aside' from his role examining the issue of foreign interference before he embarks on public hearings.

New Democrat MP says she is target of foreign interference by China
New Democrat MP Jenny Kwan said Monday that Canada's spy agency has confirmed her long-held belief that she is being targeted by the Chinese government over her advocacy for human rights in Hong Kong and for the Uyghur Muslim minority in China.
Northern B.C., Alberta and all of Ontario under 'high' to 'extreme' wildfire risk: What to know
There's a heightened risk of wildfires across the country during what has been one of the earliest fire seasons on record. From British Columbia to Nova Scotia, here's where the risk is highest.
'Tragedies occur far too often': Canada Safety Council shares swimming safety tips
With the summer swimming season fast approaching, the Canada Safety Council is reminding people to be careful and take measures to prevent drowning, especially after three children died just days apart.
Albertans head to polls in what's expected to be very close election between UCP, NDP
In Alberta today, the United Conservative Party is looking to win a second consecutive majority government while the NDP is fighting to regain the office it lost in 2019.
Provinces must seek anti-smoking measures in Big Tobacco settlement: health groups
Three national health organizations want Canada's premiers to push for initiatives to reduce smoking during settlement negotiations with major tobacco companies, years after provinces sued to recoup health-care costs.
BREAKING | B.C. woman Madison Scott found dead 12 years after being reported missing
Exactly 12 years after she was reported missing, police announced Madison Scott was found dead in central B.C.
WATCH | Dashcam video shows out-of-control Nova Scotia wildfire
Dashcam footage shows the extent of the Tantallon wildfire as it raged in Hammonds Plains, N.S.
Body of 12-year-old Winnipeg boy who fell into Sturgeon Falls found
The body of a 12-year-old boy from Winnipeg who fell into Sturgeon Falls on Saturday has been found.