Hubbry Logo
Spar AerospaceSpar AerospaceMain
Open search
Spar Aerospace
Community hub
Spar Aerospace
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Spar Aerospace
Spar Aerospace
from Wikipedia

SPAR Aerospace was a Canadian aerospace company. It produced equipment for the Canadian Space Agency to be used in cooperation with NASA's Space Shuttle program, most notably the Canadarm, a remote manipulator system.

The company went through a series of changes through mergers and acquisition activities, and is now part of MDA.

History

[edit]

The company was originally formed in 1967 in Brampton, Ontario through a management buyout of de Havilland Canada's Special Products division and Avro Canada's Applied Research unit. This provided the name Special Products and Applied Research, or SPAR for short. Special Products was best known for the construction of the Alouette 1 satellite, which made Canada the fourth spacefaring nation. The company was initially involved in spacecraft applications. Larry Clarke led the formation of the company and was its first president.[1][2]

As part of the Space Shuttle program, the National Research Council of Canada agreed to take on the task of building a robot arm to equip the shuttles as Canada's contribution to the effort. SPAR was selected to build the system, which became known as the Canadarm. This also led to their successful 1992 bid on the Canadarm2 for the International Space Station. The company was also the prime contractor on a number of satellites, including Anik-E, Olympus 1s (L-SAT), and RADARSAT-1.[1][3] However, through the 1990s the space industry underwent a period of intense consolidation and SPAR was largely locked out of the market. Further sales were not forthcoming, and the company sold the space division to Orbital Sciences in 1999, who sold it in turn to MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates in 2001 to become MD Robotics, and then again to Allianz Technosystems in 2008.[2]

In 1992, SPAR purchased the U.S. company ComStream, which made compression systems for telecommunications and satellites in particular. This led to massive losses in 1996 due to the division's underperformance. Their major customer, Thomson Consumer Electronics, had been waiting for ComStream to deliver a decoding chip for their direct broadcast satellite receivers, but they introduced their own designs and ComStream lost the contract. SPAR sold the division to Radyne in 1998, taking a loss of about $13 million on the purchase and sale alone.

In 1997, seeking a path to diversification, SPAR purchased CAE Aviation's aircraft maintenance operations, in Edmonton, formerly Northwest Industries. CAE Aviation had maintained the Canadian Air Force's CC-130 Hercules aircraft for several decades, including performing of the Centre Wing and Outer Wing replacement programs, Progressive Structural Inspection (PSI) program, Tanker program, Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP) and Hercules Airframe and Wiring System Refurbishment (HAWSR) programs. They also handled the complete overhaul of the Royal New Zealand Air Force's 40-year-old Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft. Other customers included the Royal Norwegian Air Force, United States Coast Guard, and Greece's Hellenic Air Force. SPAR performed several avionics upgrades and a Depot Level Inspection and Repair (DLIR) for the Royal Canadian Air Force CL-41 Tutor aircraft flown by the Snowbirds acrobatic team.[2]

The robotics division was sold in 1999 and became part of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates as MD Robotics, a subsidiary of its MDA Space Missions division. As part of MDA, it developed the Mobile Servicing System for the International Space Station, which includes the Space Station Remote Manipulator System, also known as Canadarm2.

In 2001, a majority stake in the remaining operations was purchased by L-3 Communications.[2] L-3 managed SPAR Aerospace for years, but L-3 didn't invest in or expand the business. In 2003, it acquired Bombardier Inc.'s Military Aviation Services. In 2005, L-3 Communications SPAR Aerospace lost the DND contract to maintain CC-130E/H aircraft and SPAR had to lay off hundreds of employees. SPAR's Edmonton facilities and workforce (both the City Centre and the International Airport locations) were permanently shut down at the end of summer 2009, after over four decades of production and service. Other facilities, including Trenton, remain in use.[4]

Facilities

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Spar Aerospace Limited was a prominent Canadian aerospace and defense company, established in 1968 through the merger of Aircraft's Special Products and Advanced Research division with Aircraft's Applied Research unit, specializing in the , development, and of space robotics, systems, and aviation support services. Best known for engineering the , a robotic manipulator arm that became integral to NASA's from 1981 to 2011, Spar played a pivotal role in Canada's , contributing to 90 shuttle missions and enabling key deployments. The company also built structural components for Telesat Canada's Anik-A series in the 1970s and led the development of the Radarsat-1 launched in 1995, advancing technologies for environmental monitoring and disaster management. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Spar expanded its expertise in space electronics and , securing major contracts such as the construction of the MSat-1 mobile system in 1996, which supported maritime and aeronautical communications across . By the 1990s, employing over 2,500 people and generating annual revenues exceeding C$500 million, Spar had become Canada's largest space contractor, with facilities in , , and Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. However, financial challenges in the late 1990s prompted divestitures: its space and advanced division, including technology, was acquired by MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) in 1999 for C$63 million, while the remaining services unit focused on maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for like the C-130 . In 2001, the core Spar entity was fully acquired by U.S.-based L-3 Communications (now L3Harris Technologies) for approximately C$230 million, integrating its aviation operations into L-3's global portfolio of defense and aerospace services. Although Spar as an independent entity ceased operations post-acquisition, its legacy endures through MDA's ongoing advancements in space robotics—such as the Canadarm2 on the International Space Station—and L3Harris's continued MRO capabilities for military and commercial aviation. Spar's contributions solidified Canada's reputation in international space collaboration, particularly with NASA and the European Space Agency, and influenced subsequent national space policies.

History

Founding and Early Years

Spar Aerospace was established in 1967 in , , through a led by Larry Denman Clarke, who assembled a team of investors and former employees to acquire Canada's Special Products division and Avro Canada's Applied Research unit. The company's name derived from these units—Special Products and Applied Research—reflecting its initial emphasis on advanced technologies and research. Headquartered in , Spar quickly positioned itself as a key player in Canada's emerging space sector, inheriting expertise from its predecessor organizations. The roots of Spar's space involvement traced back to the pre-buyout work of de Havilland's Special Products and Applied Research division, which contributed significantly to 's first , . Launched on September 29, 1962, was designed and built in , making the country the third nation—after the and the —to independently develop and operate a . The division developed the satellite's distinctive long "stub" antennas, essential for ionospheric studies, and provided mechanical structures. Following the launch, Spar assumed responsibility for post-launch technical support, data analysis, and technology transfer related to and its successor programs, leveraging this heritage to build its reputation in spacecraft components. In its early years, Spar focused on satellite subsystems and applied research, securing initial contracts from the Canadian government and international partners. By 1970, the company had established operations in the and areas, undertaking projects such as building spacecraft structures for Canada's Anik A1, the nation's first geostationary . Starting in 1971, Spar also began fulfilling contracts with NASA's for space-related components, totaling over $500,000 in value by the mid-1970s. These efforts solidified Spar's role in spacecraft and laid the groundwork for its expansion in space technologies.

Expansion and Major Projects

During the , Spar Aerospace expanded significantly into international space programs, particularly through its involvement in NASA's initiative. In 1974, the company was selected as the prime contractor for the development of the Space Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS), commonly known as the , under a Canadian valued at approximately $110 million CAD. This project marked a pivotal growth phase, leveraging Spar's early expertise in structures and to design a 15-meter capable of deploying and retrieving payloads in orbit. The 's development solidified Spar's reputation in space and contributed to the company's diversification beyond domestic aviation projects. The 1980s brought further milestones, with Spar securing major contracts for satellite systems that enhanced its role in global communications. In 1986, the company signed a $200 million CAD contract with to build two , part of the next-generation series designed for dual-band (C- and Ku-band) across . These satellites, launched in 1991, represented Spar's growing capability in advanced design and integration. Additionally, in 1983, Spar received a $65 million USD subcontract for components on the European Space Agency's Olympus-1 , including solar arrays, which tested high-power direct broadcasting technologies. The Olympus project, launched in 1989, highlighted Spar's international partnerships and technical contributions to experimental satellite architectures. Spar's collaboration with extended to operational milestones, including the Canadarm's debut flight on mission aboard Columbia on November 12, 1981. During this mission, the arm was successfully deployed and tested, performing tasks such as grappling a and demonstrating precision control in microgravity, which validated its design for over 90 subsequent shuttle missions. These achievements drove substantial revenue growth, with annual sales rising from about $10 million CAD in 1970 to over $215 million CAD by 1983, largely propelled by the space division's contributions from shuttle and satellite programs. By the late 1980s, revenues stabilized around $200 million CAD annually, reflecting the company's established position in high-value space contracts.

Challenges and Restructuring

In the 1990s, Spar Aerospace encountered significant financial and operational challenges stemming from the end of the , which led to reduced defense spending and downsizing in the aerospace sector. The company reduced its defense operations in response to these market shifts, while the post-peak phase of NASA's contributed to a loss of momentum in related contracts. Building on the legacy of 1980s successes like the , Spar sought to pivot but faced mounting pressures from underperforming acquisitions. A key setback was the 1992 acquisition of ComStream Corp. for US$58 million, intended to bolster satellite communications capabilities but resulting in substantial losses due to management issues and the loss of a major customer. By 1996, ComStream's struggles triggered a severe first-quarter downturn for Spar, with shares dropping 25% and the eliminated amid poor overall performance. The division was eventually divested in 1998 through sales to multiple buyers, including Radyne Corp. for US$17 million on certain assets, yielding an overall loss of approximately $13 million on the acquisition and sale. These events exacerbated Spar's financial strain, culminating in net losses of C$37 million in 1997. To address these difficulties, Spar initiated efforts, including reductions that brought employee numbers down to around by 1998. In a move toward diversification, the company acquired CAE Inc.'s services subsidiary in 1997 for C$62 million, establishing an division that boosted aviation revenues from C$53 million in 1997 to C$123 million in 1998. This shift helped stabilize operations, with debt and divestitures of non-core assets contributing to a turnaround, as evidenced by a C$31 million net profit in 1998 on C$251 million in sales. The 1995 launch of RADARSAT-1, for which Spar served as prime contractor, provided a critical success amid the turmoil, enhancing the company's expertise and supporting long-term recovery efforts. Leadership transitions played a pivotal role in navigating these challenges, with Colin D. Watson appointed as president and CEO in 1996, succeeding John MacNaughton, to refocus the executive team on cost controls and strategic realignment amid declining space budgets. These changes, combined with a broader emphasis on services, positioned Spar for eventual stabilization by the late 1990s.

Products and Technologies

Space Robotics

Spar Aerospace's contributions to space robotics began with the development of the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS), known as the , in response to NASA's early 1970s requirement for a to support operations. In collaboration with Canada's National Research Council, Spar was selected as the prime contractor and led the , , and efforts from 1974 to 1981, culminating in the delivery of the first unit in April 1981. This 15-meter articulated arm, weighing 410 kilograms, featured enabled by electric joint actuators and a three-pronged for secure payload grappling and release. Integrated with the orbiter's computers for real-time control and monitoring, the system incorporated cameras mounted on the arm and wrist to provide operators with visual feedback for precise maneuvering in microgravity. The proved instrumental in payload deployment, satellite capture, and astronaut support during missions, operating flawlessly across more than 90 flights from its debut on in 1981 through the program's end in 2011, with the arms collectively logging 944 days in space. Spar Aerospace constructed five flight-qualified units, each designed for a 10-year lifespan or 100 missions, along with ground-based training and testing models to ensure operational readiness. These arms handled diverse tasks, including the deployment of communications satellites and servicing, demonstrating high reliability through redundant systems and rigorous pre-flight simulations that minimized in-orbit failures. Building on this expertise, Spar Aerospace advanced to the (MSS) for the in the early 1990s, serving as prime contractor for the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), or Canadarm2. Designed and developed through the late 1990s, this 17-meter arm with seven and integrated tools—such as force moment sensors, lights, and cameras—enabled enhanced dexterity for station assembly, module relocation, and external maintenance. First deployed on in April 2001, Canadarm2 has supported over 20 years of continuous ISS operations, including the installation of major components like the Zarya module and ongoing resupply missions. Its force-reflecting teleoperation interfaces and seamless integration with ISS computers allowed ground and onboard crews to perform complex tasks with sub-millimeter precision. Spar's robotics innovations extended to the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM), or Dextre, a component of the MSS that built on precursor concepts from the company's arm designs for fine-scale orbital repairs. Patented advancements in force moment sensing technology, originally developed by Spar engineers in , enhanced the tactile feedback and load-handling capabilities of these systems, influencing subsequent dexterous manipulators for applications. Overall, Spar produced multiple Canadarm-series units across flight, training, and variants, establishing benchmarks in reliability and adaptability that supported integration and broader orbital infrastructure.

Satellite Systems

Spar Aerospace played a pivotal role in the development of communication for Telesat Canada, particularly through its work on the Anik series, which provided essential voice, data, and television services across the country. As prime contractor for the Anik D series, launched between 1982 and 1984, the company handled the full design, integrating propulsion, power, and attitude control systems to support geostationary operations. Similarly, Spar served as prime contractor for the Anik E series, launched in 1991 and 1992, where it designed and manufactured critical subsystems including high-power solar arrays and deployable antennas to enable dual-band C- and Ku-band communications. These contributions marked Spar's transition to leading full satellite platforms, emphasizing reliable deployment mechanisms for appendages like solar panels and antennas, which were essential for mission success. In , Spar Aerospace acted as prime contractor for RADARSAT-1, Canada's first commercial , launched in November 1995 aboard a Delta II . The featured a C-band (SAR) instrument capable of operating in five distinct imaging modes—Standard, Wide, Fine, ScanSAR Narrow, and ScanSAR Wide—to provide varying resolutions and coverage swaths for all-weather, day-and-night monitoring. This SAR system supported environmental applications, including ice mapping, ocean surveillance, and disaster management, generating data for global users through a commercial distribution model. RADARSAT-1 exceeded its five-year design life, remaining operational until March 29, 2013, delivering 625,848 images during its 17-year mission. Beyond the Anik series, Spar contributed to international projects, including deployable mesh antennas for the European Space Agency's Olympus-1 , launched in 1989 to test advanced Ka-band and propagation technologies. For the Anik C3 , deployed in 1982 from the , Spar served as a major , supplying systems that enabled Ku-band point-to-point services and direct broadcasting capabilities. These efforts highlighted Spar's expertise in antenna deployment mechanisms, which ensured precise unfurling in orbit, and power systems featuring advanced solar arrays to sustain long-duration missions. For instance, the company's solar arrays on Anik E provided the necessary electrical output for hybrid-band operations, demonstrating robust performance in geostationary environments.

Aviation and Defense Systems

Spar Aerospace diversified into aviation services through its 1997 acquisition of CAE Aviation Limited, a subsidiary of CAE Inc., for C$62 million, which expanded its capabilities in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). This move enabled Spar to provide turnkey life-cycle support for military aircraft, including structural upgrades and systems integration for the Royal Canadian Air Force's CF-18 Hornet fleet, ensuring operational readiness through comprehensive engineering and logistics services. The aviation services division focused on both military and commercial clients, delivering NATO-compatible solutions that emphasized reliability and cost efficiency in fleet sustainment. In parallel, Spar entered defense electronics in the late 1980s by acquiring key assets from Leigh Instruments Limited, integrating expertise in high-technology systems for military applications. This acquisition bolstered Spar's portfolio with shipborne communications and systems, including tactical air aids (TACAN) and receivers adapted for naval platforms, supporting secure data links and precise positioning for Canadian and allied forces. Key products from this segment included airborne processors for signal enhancement in missions and integrated suites for Canadian Forces aircraft, providing modular electronics that improved mission effectiveness without extensive redesign. Spar further strengthened its communications offerings in 1992 by acquiring ComStream Corporation for US$58 million, incorporating advanced communications technology for secure, high-bandwidth data transmission in defense scenarios prior to its partial divestiture in the late . The services division reached a revenue peak of C$123 million in 1998, driven by these expansions and contracts for aircraft upgrades like the CC-130 fleet. Some defense sensor technologies drew briefly from Spar's expertise, adapting precision imaging for applications.

Corporate Evolution

Acquisitions and Divestitures

In the early , Spar Aerospace pursued strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in defense and communications technologies. In October 1990, the company acquired key assets from Leigh Instruments Limited, integrating them into its operations to enhance its portfolio in air- and shipborne communications and systems, including the Shipboard Integrated Communications (SHICOM) program and technologies such as the AN/SAR-8 . This move expanded Spar's defense communications offerings, particularly in naval applications, amid broader industry pressures from reduced . Later that decade, Spar sought diversification into and technologies. In late 1992, it acquired U.S.-based ComStream Corporation for US$58 million, gaining expertise in digital compression systems for and broadcast communications. However, ComStream underperformed due to lost contracts and operational challenges, contributing to Spar's financial strains in the mid-1990s. By August 1998, Spar sold ComStream to Radyne Corporation for US$17 million in cash and promissory notes, incurring a significant loss on the transaction as part of efforts to refocus on core competencies. To strengthen its aviation services amid 1990s market volatility, Spar acquired CAE Aviation Ltd. from CAE Inc. in December 1997 for C$62 million. This purchase added aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations based in Edmonton, Alberta, significantly boosting Spar's services revenue to C$123 million in 1998 and providing a hedge against declining space sector demand. As part of ongoing restructuring to address unprofitable units during the late 1990s downturn in commercial activities, Spar divested non-core assets. In December 1998, it sold its subsidiary Astro Aerospace Corporation to 's Space & Electronics Group for C$30.6 million in cash, eliminating losses from the satellite structures and mechanisms business. This transaction streamlined operations and generated capital for higher-priority areas like and aviation.

Merger with MDA and Legacy

In 1999, Spar Aerospace sold its Space and Advanced Robotics Division to MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) for C$63 million, allowing Spar to focus on its aviation and defense operations amid financial difficulties. This division, responsible for key space technologies like the , was integrated into MDA and rebranded as MD in 2001, preserving Spar's expertise in robotic systems for space applications. The acquisition marked the end of Spar's direct involvement in space , but the technology continued under MDA's management. Meanwhile, the remaining operations of Spar Aerospace faced further restructuring. In October 2001, L-3 Communications acquired a majority stake in Spar for approximately , targeting its and defense systems, with full control achieved by early 2002. At its peak before these sales, Spar employed around 2,500 people across and the , reflecting its status as a major employer. Spar's legacy endures through the ongoing use and evolution of its technologies. The Canadarm2, developed from Spar's foundational work and now maintained by MDA, continues to support operations, with Canadian commitments extending through 2030. Similarly, data from RADARSAT-1, for which Spar served as prime contractor, has contributed to climate research, including monitoring environmental changes, patterns, and . This influence extends to modern space , where Spar's manipulator systems informed advancements like NASA's program, emphasizing dexterous, human-assistive tools for extraterrestrial tasks. Today, MDA (formerly MD Robotics) perpetuates Spar's innovations in systems and , integrating them into global space missions.

Facilities and Operations

Headquarters and Key Sites

Spar Aerospace established its headquarters in , , in 1967 through a of Canada's Special Products division and Canada's Applied Research unit. The facility served as the primary hub for the company's Space and Advanced Robotics Division, where key projects such as the design, assembly, and testing of the robotic manipulator system were conducted. This site also handled satellite integration and structural assembly, including work on Canada's Anik communications satellites in the , following expansions that enhanced capabilities for electronics and cleanroom operations. The company also operated significant facilities in and Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, , focusing on systems and space electronics development. These sites contributed to projects like the Anik series and Radarsat-1, before being divested in the late 1990s. In 1999, the Space and Advanced Robotics Division, including its operations for robotics and work, was acquired by MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA), marking the transfer of these core space activities away from Spar. The facility had completed integration of the Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS, or Canadarm2) in 1997. The company's aviation maintenance operations were centered at the , , facility, which became a key hub following Spar's 1997 acquisition of CAE Aviation for $62 million (CAD). This site focused on aircraft overhauls, repairs, and ongoing maintenance services for military and commercial fleets. Spar also maintained a facility in , for aviation services.

Workforce and Closure Events

Spar Aerospace's workforce expanded considerably from its early years, starting with around 200 employees in 1970 as it focused on initial aerospace contracts like Telesat Canada's structures. By the , the company had grown to over 2,000 staff, including approximately 600 engineers, supporting diverse operations in space and services. This growth peaked at about 2,500 employees by 2000, reflecting the company's diversification into satellite systems and defense technologies amid Canada's burgeoning space sector. However, economic pressures led to significant in 1996, including layoffs of around 500 workers due to poor quarterly performance and the elimination of dividends, which contributed to a 25 percent drop in share price. The company's labor relations were shaped by at most sites, excluding certain advanced systems groups, which created ongoing tensions over recognition and rights. The 2001 buyout by L-3 Communications, completed in early 2002 after acquiring 72 percent of shares for approximately C$230 million, introduced uncertainties regarding , particularly in and defense divisions, as the U.S.-based firm integrated operations and shifted focus toward contracts. Meanwhile, the transition of Spar's robotics roles to MDA following the 1999 acquisition of that division for $63 million preserved some employment continuity in high-tech work, with MDA absorbing key personnel and projects like development. A notable closure event occurred at the facility, acquired in 1997 for aviation maintenance services and employing 185 workers focused on defense maintenance. In January 2009, L-3 announced the shutdown amid cuts in defense spending and the loss of a key contract to maintain Canada's CC-130 fleet, affecting all on-site staff. The company provided severance packages and assistance for job placement, but the move marked a significant loss for local workers, described in media reports as a "sad day" for the community in . Subsequent relocation of follow-on work, such as RADARSAT-related projects, shifted to other Canadian sites like MDA's facilities, ensuring continuity in space observation capabilities despite the facility's end.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.