The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has announced 26 R&D contracts worth more than $8 million as part of its Space Technology Development Program. The projects involve 13 companies, a research institute (National Optics Institute) and Laval Univ. The firms are exploring technology niches in the areas of telecommunications, spacecraft design, laser sensors and others. MPB Communications Inc, Pointe-Claire, QC, received the most funding with five contracts worth $1.6 million. It was followed by MacDonald Dettwiler & Associates Ltd ($1.3 million/three contracts) NGC Aerospace Ltd, Sherbrooke QC ($1.2 million/three contracts), Neptec Design Group, Kanata ON ($800,000/three contracts), and COM DEV International Ltd, Cambridge ON ($600,000/two contracts)....