Stratos Recovery Service

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) will launch stratospheric balloons out of Timmins, Ontario in summer of 2025, and in the following years. The Stratos program is described at: https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/sciences/balloons/stratos.asp .

Four (4) large balloons and up to seven (7) small balloons with corresponding flight trains and payload gondolas, are expected to be launched in August and September 2025.

The balloons are expected to fly within a 600 km radius circle, centered on the Victor M. Power Timmins Airport, Ontario, and truncated by the 46°30’ parallel as a southern flight limit.

Flight time of each balloon is up to 24 hours before landing.

Upon completion of the scientific mission, the balloons and their components will land on ground. They will be retrieved and transported to the Timmins base for scientific research.

The contractor will:

•        Provide services to carry the flight chain and balloon envelope from the landing point to the Rendezvous Point with the help of the helicopter crew.

•        Transport the flight chains and balloon envelopes back to Timmins Base.

•        Participate in flight operations coordination meetings with the CSA.

A contracting officer can use limited tendering for specific reasons outlined in the applicable trade agreements. The reason for this contract is described below:

• None