Consulting

Our consulting group specializes in the research, development, and analysis of space and aerospace systems and technologies. For projects at the feasibility, system design, or mission definition phase we can offer:
  • A management team led by professional engineering and Ph.D. level talent.
  • Experienced industry consultants with extensive background in spacecraft and space mission design.
  • Access to expertise in academia through our ongoing collaborations with aerospace engineering departments at several Ontario universities.
  • A CGP (Controlled Goods Program) registered facility.

Our consultants can also assist in the engineering, building, and qualifying of aerospace systems. For detailed modeling and design optimization via CFD, FEA and other forms of numerical analysis, see our computer aided engineering affiliate, Continuum Simulation & Design. For electronics, 3D CAD, machining and assembly of prototype components: see our embedded systems group.

Rendering of spacecraft from a recent feasibility study for the Canadian Space Agency.

Embedded systems

Do you have a problem that requires real-time control or sensing? We can offer you our broad expertise in embedded systems, particularly those that operate under demanding conditions requiring carefully engineered solutions. Standard features of our contract work include custom circuit design, sensor design and packaging, 3D CAD, machining and assembly of prototype components as well as firmware development and the integration of the embedded system with existing computing and control infrastructure.

Example application areas:

  • Real-time control for production machinery.
  • Packaging for harsh environments.
  • RF digital communications systems.
  • Portable power (battery) systems.
  • Data acquisition and laboratory automation.
  • Custom instrumentation and sensing.
 Example Sectors:

  • Aerospace propulsion R&D.
  • Stratospheric payloads.
  • Automotive manufacturing.
  • Automated form processing.
  • Mine safety.
  • Natural gas industry.

A recently unpacked corner of our new instrumentation lab.

Propulsion

Our engineers are applying recent advances in hybrid rocket fuel science and engineering to develop competitive propulsion solutions for emerging, high-growth sectors of the space launch market. These include
  • Microsatellite launch
  • In-space propulsion
  • Upper stage propulsion
  • Sounding rockets for atmospheric science

Left – Ground firing of experimental rocket propulsion system.

Right – Large eddy simulations of vortex shedding inside hybrid pre-combustion chamber.

Stratospheric
Continuum Aerospace, in partnership with custom balloon builder Global-Western and with atmospheric researchers at York University, is currently planning a series of stratospheric balloon missions. We have conducted a number of engineering test flights and shortly will begin the operational science flights. With our program now in development, our goal is provide a turnkey stratospheric service whereby you, the customer, only have to provide the payload and specify the desired flight characteristics, while Continuum manages all flight logistics – launch and recovery, flight control, meteorology, regulatory compliance, etc. We are offering both a standard mission profile – 30 km. altitude, 30 hours at float, 40 kg. payload – or we can design a custom flight for you if these parameters are not ideal.

Please contact us at stratospheric@continuumaerospace.com for further information

Pictured at right – Earth from 100 000 ft (top) taken from balloon platform. High altitude balloon during filling process (bottom).