Turnaround for Canadian Space Program?

MacLean appointed head of CSA

Canada's space agency has been in the doldrums, of late, running on prestige left over from subcontracted development of the CanadaArms for ISS and Dextre, the first true virtual extensible robotic human to ride on the exterior of the Space Station.

All agencies drift, especially in nations with competitive politics and budget commitments that change from budget to budget. Canada is no different, with complaints arising from commercial and academic space interests in the Commonwealth about bureaucratic foot-dragging and "finger tapping."

It is possible things may turn around, however. Dr. Steve MacLean, one of the first six Canadian astronauts chosen in 1983, has been appointed as President of the Canadian Space Agency.

From Cambridge in Ontario, we read, "Dr. MacLean is a modern hero and is very highly respected among academic, industrial and international partners," said Minister (of Industry Jim) Prentice. "His appointment as President is evidence of the government's commitment to leverage Canada's space science and technology to position Canada as a leading space faring nation."

More HERE.