Flight campaigns and remote fieldwork are vital for Canadian science. Travel, aircraft time, and on-site logistics are expensive. These costs often fall outside traditional research grants. The Flights and Fieldwork for the Advancement of Science and Technology (FAST) program helps fill this gap. It funds the real-world data collection that space and space‑related research rely on.
FAST funding is a federal program managed by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Its main goal is to support flight-based experiments and fieldwork campaigns. These activities advance science and technology linked to space missions, Earth observation, and atmospheric research.
Canadian research teams often design strong lab studies but struggle to fund:
FAST funding covers these gaps. Many experiments would not move forward without this support.
FAST focuses on data collection activities. It does not fund early concept development or commercialization. Projects must include flights or fieldwork that contribute directly to space science and technology outcomes.
Typical eligible activities are:
Projects are usually time-limited and mission-driven. FAST is designed to support the execution phase, not ongoing operating costs.
FAST is open to eligible Canadian organizations, not individuals. The CSA sets eligibility rules in each Announcement of Opportunity. Common applicants include:
Applicants must show:
You can use tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher to check if your organization and project fit FAST or similar federal research programs.
FAST funding amounts are project-specific. The CSA Announcement of Opportunity defines the funding, not a fixed grant cap.
Key funding features:
Funding levels depend on project scope. A strong budget justification is important. CSA reviewers check if costs are reasonable and tied to scientific goals.
The FAST process follows a clear federal funding model:
Deadlines and requirements are set in the AO. Always check the official CSA posting for current timelines.
Treating FAST like a general research grant
FAST is for flights and fieldwork. Proposals focused mainly on theory or lab analysis are unlikely to succeed.
Weak links to space priorities
CSA expects a clear connection to space missions, Earth observation, or space-relevant technology. Make this link direct.
Overly broad budgets
Every cost must tie directly to the flight or field campaign. Vague or padded budgets are a warning sign for reviewers.
Ignoring grant stacking rules
FAST can often be combined with other funding, but you must clearly disclose and justify all sources.
For more details, see How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules.
Q: What is the FAST program from the Canadian Space Agency?
FAST is a federal funding program that supports flight-based and fieldwork research tied to space science and technology. It is delivered through a competitive Announcement of Opportunity.
Q: Who can apply for FAST funding?
Eligible applicants are Canadian organizations such as universities, research institutes, not-for-profits, and companies. Individuals cannot apply directly.
Q: What types of projects are eligible under FAST?
Projects must involve aircraft, balloon, drone, or field campaigns that support space-related research, Earth observation, or technology validation.
Q: How much funding does FAST provide?
There is no single fixed amount. Funding varies by project scope and is defined in the CSA Announcement of Opportunity.
Q: Can FAST funding be combined with other federal grants?
In many cases, yes. Applicants must disclose all funding sources and ensure there is no duplication of expenses.
If your research relies on flights or fieldwork, consider FAST funding for your project. Review the CSA’s latest Announcement of Opportunity for eligibility and deadlines. Prepare a clear proposal that connects your work to space science goals and includes a detailed budget. Tools like GrantHub can help you track federal research programs and match your project to the right funding.
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