Bubble Technology Industries Inc. (BTI), a Canadian company in Chalk River, Ontario with world-renowned expertise in radiation and explosives detection, has been awarded a contract with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to produce a system that will monitor radiation in space.

The Canadian Active Neutron Spectrometer (CANS) system is designed to operate continuously without requiring human intervention. Data collected by the CANS will advance our knowledge of space radiation and enhance the safety of future space missions, positioning Canada as a crucial player in space radiation detection.

While Earth’s atmosphere and magnetosphere serve as effective shields against radiation coming from deep space, astronauts operating at higher altitudes receive greater radiation exposure than they would on Earth. Among the most concerning types of radiation is neutron radiation, which can be particularly damaging to humans. Based on Canada’s extensive prior experience in measuring neutron radiation, the CSA identified neutron spectrometry as a critical domain for future space missions.

“The CANS instrument is a unique radiation detector that will improve our understanding of deep space and our ability to protect astronaut health. We are honoured to be working with the CSA on this important mission with support from our outstanding partners from across the Canadian space sector”.

– Lianne Ing, President of BTI

BTI has a rich history in this field, starting in 1988 with the launch of its namesake product, the Bubble Detector. This innovative neutron detector has been used on over two dozen space missions for over three decades, including on the Radi-N and Radi-N2 experiments on the International Space Station. On Earth, it is used by nuclear facilities, research institutions, military personnel, and the medical community. In 2022, the Bubble Detector and BTI were inducted into the US Space Technology Hall of Fame.

To learn more about the work of BTI, visit https://bubbletech.ca/.

Illustration of an astronaut, a rover and a lander on the lunar surface. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency/European Space Agency)

Bubble Technology Industries (BTI) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a contract by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to support the Lunar Utility Vehicle (LUV) Science Payloads Phase 0 and Technology Development initiative.

Under this project, BTI will develop a concept for the Gamma-Neutron Spectrometer (GNS) for the LUV platform to support science objectives for the mission. The GNS-LUV instrument will enable the measurement of hydrogen and other elements of scientific interest near the Moon’s surface. “This project will leverage our ongoing technology advancements to develop an instrument for Canada’s exploration of the Moon. By measuring neutrons and gamma rays, we will answer a range of important questions related to planetary science, human health, and lunar resources. The work will build on our current and recent projects with the CSA and will continue BTI’s growth in the Canadian space sector. We are proud to be working with the CSA on this important mission.” – Martin Smith, Director, Research and Development at BTI.

The BTI team is excited to contribute Canadian expertise for the next generation of lunar exploration technologies. For more information, please visit the CSA’s news article here Driving innovation in science for Canada’s lunar utility rover | Canadian Space Agency).

Visit BTI at the Warsaw Security Expo in Poland. BTI will be exhibiting its latest FlexSpec systems and its representatives will be discussing the latest developments in the product line. Learn how our technologies can support your operational needs. To schedule a meeting post conference, please contact us at [email protected].

Neutron-based active interrogation is a powerful technique for identifying materials and analyzing elemental compositions. In space, it plays a key role in detecting water and other volatiles, as well as characterizing planetary geology. On Earth, it can be leveraged for security applications, such as detecting explosives and narcotics.

BTI’s project focuses on creating a compact, rugged, and low-complexity ion source suitable for integration into next-generation neutron generators and ion-beam instruments. “This project will explore innovative advancements in ion source design, with the goal of supporting important applications in space exploration and security applications. We are proud to continue building upon our scientific contributions to Canada’s growing space sector,” said Lianne Ing, President of Bubble Technology Industries.

During the International Astronautical Congress (IAC), held in Sydney, Australia from September 29^th to October 3^rd, 2025, Lisa Campbell, President of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), announced the STDP contributions awarded to Canadian companies and research organizations from across the country to support the development of space technologies. She noted, “These projects are more than just technology – they reflect the creativity and drive of Canada’s space companies. Through targeted investments, the CSA plays a key role in enabling innovators to advance their technologies, strengthen their competitiveness, and tap into new markets here at home and abroad. This support helps position Canada’s space sector for long-term growth and success.”

For more information on the contribution awards under the CSA’s STDP contribution program, please see Space technologies to bolster Canadian sovereignty and resilience – Canada.ca.

August 21, 2025 – Chalk River, ON – Bubble Technology Industries (BTI) is proud to announce our participation
as an exhibitor at the upcoming National Homeland Security Conference, taking place August 25–28, 2025, in Washington, DC.

This leading conference gathers professionals from across Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Fire Services, and Emergency
Management to explore the latest innovations, strategies, and technologies shaping the future of public safety and emergency response.

Visit the BTI booth to discover how our advanced solutions in radiation detection, nuclear safety, and emergency preparedness
are supporting critical missions and enhancing operational readiness across sectors.

Want to connect? Reach out at [email protected] to schedule a meeting.

We look forward to seeing you in Washington!

Dr. Martin Smith, Director of Research and Development at Bubble Technology Industries, will be attending SORMA West 2025,
taking place July 21–27, 2025 in Berkeley, California.

This premier symposium offers a prime gathering of innovators, users, and decision-makers in our field.
At Bubble Technology Industries, we thrive on collaboration—especially where deep interaction between research and industry is key.

We are proud to share that Dr. Alex Miller, Research Scientist at Bubble Technology Industries, will be presenting at this year’s Health Physics Society Annual Meeting in Madison, WI!

Dr Miller will be presenting information on Reduction and Assessment of ROSPEC Background for Improved Measurements of Low Neutron Fields on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 1:30 PM – 1:45 PM at the Monona Terrace Convention Center.

The Health Physics Society Annual Meeting (July 13–17, 2025) brings together experts in radiation protection from around the world for a week of technical sessions, networking, exhibitors, and special events.

The Joint Product Leader–Radiological Nuclear Defense (JPdL-RND) is holding a one-day session for 2025 Radiation Detection Industry Day taking place on June 17, 2025 at Aberdeen Proving Ground–Edgewood, Maryland and Bubble Technology Industries is attending.

This specialized event provides vendors and participants with a unique opportunity to engage in focused discussions on radiation detection instrumentation and dosimetry. Designed specifically for professionals and experts in the field, the Industry Day creates an open environment for innovation sharing, technical exchange, and future-focused collaboration.

We’re excited to participate in JPdL-RND’s 2025 Radiation Detection Industry Day!
If you would like more information on our latest innovations in radiation detection reach out to us at [email protected] to schedule a one-on-one meeting.

Bubble Technology Industries is exhibiting at the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ (IAFC) Hazmat Conference, taking place June 12–15, 2025, at the Hilton Baltimore.

This premier four-day event is a cornerstone gathering for hazardous materials professionals from across the nation. The IAFC’s Hazmat Conference offers cutting-edge training and real-world insights into the evolving field of hazmat response.

We invite you to visit our booth to learn more about how Bubble Technology Industries is advancing the future of hazmat response through innovation, training, and support.

This premier event convenes leaders from government, academia, and industry to explore innovations and emerging trends shaping the future of space. As Canada continues to play a critical role in the global space economy, BTI is proud to contribute to this exciting journey.

If you’d like to schedule a meeting with Dr. Smith during the conference, please contact us at [email protected].