Shuttering of Ottawa space agency lab sad for workers but sign of changing times, experts say

The shuttering of a decades-old space technology laboratory in Ottawa is a shock to its workers but also a reflection of a changing industry, experts say.

On Friday, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) confirmed it will be closing the David Florida Laboratory (DFL) at the end of March 2025.

The laboratory officially opened in 1972 in the Shirley's Bay complex off Carling Avenue, on the west side of the city.

Work on the Canadarm, dubbed Canada's most famous technological achievement in the field of robotics, and the guidance sensor for the James Webb Space Telescope, was carried out there.

Tyler Chamberlin, an associate professor at the University of Ottawa who researches technology and innovation management, said news of the closure is very disappointing.

"This facility has been a very important one in the Canadian space sector for [more than] 50 years now," he said.

A laboratory like DFL is valuable because it has space to lease to other companies and organizations, allowing aspiring firms to enter the pricey space industry, he said.

The space sector can sound futuristic, abstract and irrelevant, but it connects to other critical sectors like communications and defence, Chamberlin added.

Work on the Canadarm, dubbed Canada's most famous technological achievement in the field of robotics, was carried out at the lab. (Canadian Space Agency)

A laboratory for a bygone era, expert says

Michael Graham, the founder and CEO of Space Simulation Services of Canada, which provides environmental simulation services to the satellite and aerospace industry, said it's "obviously sad" people will lose their jobs.

But in his view, DFL was designed for an older era of space research with large, lengthy projects.

Graham — who used to work at DFL — said the space sector today has become more commercialized as private companies like his enter the field and build their own facilities.

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Michael Graham is a former DFL worker, now the founder and CEO of Space Simulation Services of Canada. He says DFL was designed for an older era of space research. (Submitted by Michael Graham)

"I applaud CSA for making that decision…That infrastructure was always designed for the old space program and it's just changed and I think that's up to the industry to step up," he said.

Despite the looming closure, Chamberlin said the space industry "always requires government involvement [and] support by its nature. It's an expensive place to work."

As an example, Chamberlin highlighted one of the most successful private space entrepreneurs, Elon Musk, whose company SpaceX has a contract with the U.S. government.

Lab has been busy, according to union

The shuttering of DFL comes despite its being busy and is being viewed by workers as unfair, according to Richard Thibert, president of the local chapter of the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees that represents DFL employees.

"They don't understand why the lab would be closing. They've been turning away work," Thibert said. "I'm sure CSA could have found other ways to cut [costs] other than cutting a facility,"

The union is hopeful members will find new employment with the government.

Other options for affected workers include a buy-out, Thibert added.