Physics and Space Science News and Events

CanX-7 Satellite Mission

2016-09-27

The reception of aircraft-generated Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) signals by satellites in low Earth orbit will allow surveillance of aircraft over regions not covered by radar, such as oceans and the high Arctic.

An RMC ADS-B receiver was launched into a 690 km sun synchronous orbit on 26 September 2016 on the CanX-7 nanosatellite (10 × 10 × 34 cm, 3.5 kg) as a technology demonstrator for space-based monitoring of air traffic.

The satellite also contains a 4 m2 drag sail that will demonstrate accelerated deorbiting.

The ADS-B aircraft tracking receiver will be tested over a six-month period at which point the drag sail will be deployed.

For more information, please visit the Space Flight Laboratory.

CanX-7 nanosatellite

CanX-7 with drag-sail deployedCanX-7 with drag-sail deployed

 
 
ADS-B data from CanX-7 showing aircraft over the North Atlantic, 28 Sept 2016 (map © 2016 Google, data © Government of Canada)

Physics at RMC, The First 125 Years (1876 to 2001)

2015-12-02

“Physics at RMC, The First 125 Years. (1876 to 2001)” By Dr David Baird, Professor Emeritus

Dr. David Baird celebrated the publication of his book, “Physics at RMC, The First 125 Years, 1876 to 2001” on 17 September 2013, with an official presentation at the Senior Staff Mess.

With friends, family, and College faculty and staff in attendance, Dr. Baird presented a copy of his book to RMC’s Principal, Dr. Harry Kowal, and RMC’s Chief Librarian, Ms. Sarah Toomey.

The book was commissioned by the Canadian Association of Physicists and supported by the RMC Club of Canada (Toronto Branch).

The book details the rich history of physics research and education at RMC with accounts of the scientific work of faculty, staff, and cadets.

The book’s narrative focusses on the originality and importance of the scientific work in physics at RMC, but incudes stories of personal courage and humour as well.

More information on the presentation ceremony, as well as the order form for the book, can be found at eVeritas

Pages