Alexander MacDonald Named Canadian Space Agency President in Ottawa
Alexander MacDonald has been named president of the Canadian Space Agency, taking over from Lisa Campbell as Canada seeks to expand its space capabilities…
Alexander MacDonald, the former NASA chief economist, was named president of the Canadian Space Agency in Ottawa late Wednesday evening, putting a leader with experience shaping the Moon to Mars strategy at the helm of Canada’s space agency.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly announced the appointment during a tribute event for Marc Garneau, the first Canadian to travel to space. MacDonald replaces Lisa Campbell, who had held the presidency since 2020.
The change comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government seeks to expand Canada’s space capabilities. The appointment places MacDonald in charge of the agency as the government sets out priorities involving space-based surveillance and cooperation with European countries.
What experience does MacDonald bring to the agency?
MacDonald was NASA’s first chief economist, according to a government news release. He helped establish the Moon to Mars strategy, which includes the Artemis II mission.
That mission sent Canadian Jeremy Hansen around the moon earlier this year. The Canadian agency’s new president therefore takes office with experience connected to a strategy that links lunar exploration with ambitions extending toward Mars.
MacDonald addressed the Ottawa crowd at Thursday’s event. “As incredible as this year has been, I am even more excited about what the future holds for Canadians in space,” he said.
He also argued that space has growing significance for the country’s future and international role. “Space has never been more important for the strength and future of Canada, and never before has the world looked to Canada more for global leadership in the space domain.”
Canada’s space plans extend beyond the agency
The appointment lands as Ottawa looks to broaden the country’s capabilities. Canada cannot launch rockets on its own, while a handful of companies want to change that.
The federal government identified space-based platforms for surveillance as a key priority in its new defence industrial strategy, released in February. The Carney government is also seeking to expand cooperation with European countries in space through a proposed partnership with the European Union.
Joly appointed Hansen as a special advisor to the government earlier this month to help develop a new space strategy. His role and MacDonald’s appointment put both an astronaut and a space-economics specialist in positions connected to the government’s plans.
The leadership change affects the agency responsible for Canada’s space agenda, while the government’s stated priorities point to both defence applications and international cooperation. MacDonald takes over from Campbell as that work continues.
