Testing space technology is expensive. Sending experiments into orbit costs even more. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) STRATOS program helps by letting you send your experiment on a high-altitude balloon to near-space—without paying for a satellite launch. STRATOS flights reach about 20–40 km above Earth. This exposes your project to conditions like low pressure, extreme cold, and high radiation. These conditions are similar to space.
The Integrating a Payload onto a Stratospheric Balloon program—called STRATOS—is run by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). This program gives Canadian organizations and individuals a chance to test scientific instruments, new technologies, or run atmospheric experiments using CSA’s high-altitude balloons.
Instead of a cash grant, STRATOS usually provides in-kind support, such as:
The type and amount of support you get depends on your mission’s needs and what the CSA can offer at the time. The main value is access to the balloon flight and CSA’s technical help.
Program snapshot
STRATOS is open to a wide range of Canadians. You can apply if you are:
You do not have to work in the space sector. What matters most is that your project matches the program’s scientific and technical goals.
You can use tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher to quickly check if STRATOS and other science programs fit your organization.
STRATOS is meant for testing in near-space. It is not for advertising or simple demonstrations. Accepted projects usually include:
Your project must follow CSA’s rules for weight, power use, size, safety, and data handling. CSA checks each proposal to make sure it can be flown safely on their balloon.
STRATOS is not first come, first served. CSA looks at each proposal to see if it is ready, fits the mission, and if there is space on the flight.
Here is how the process usually works:
There is no set deadline. The timing depends on CSA’s flight schedule and mission planning.
Yes, businesses can use results from STRATOS flights for commercial purposes, but the rules depend on your agreement with CSA. Usually:
Always read the intellectual property (IP) terms with care before you apply.
STRATOS usually gives in-kind support (like flight and technical help), not cash. The value depends on your project and the mission. If you want to use other Canadian grants or R&D funding to build or improve your project, you must always check the Canadian funder’s stacking rules. Some programs limit how much total support you can get from all government sources.
Q: How much support does the CSA STRATOS program provide?
The amount and kind of support depends on your project and the mission. STRATOS gives in-kind help like launch, integration, and recovery, not cash.
Q: Is STRATOS support taxable?
In-kind support from a federal research program is usually not treated the same as cash income, but tax rules depend on your organization. Check with your accountant for Canadian tax advice.
Q: Do you need spaceflight experience to apply?
No. First-time applicants are welcome, especially for education or early technology projects, as long as your idea meets the technical rules.
Q: How often do STRATOS flights happen?
Flights are planned by CSA based on their schedule and weather. There is no set number each year.
Q: Can STRATOS be combined with other grants?
Yes, often. Some people use STRATOS with other R&D funding to develop their project. Always check the Canadian program’s stacking rules.
If STRATOS sounds right for your project, consider looking for other federal and provincial space or R&D programs that can help you develop your experiment. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active Canadian grant programs and can help you find those that match your technology, location, and organization—before you start your application.
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