Science is wonderful, vital, fascinating, awe-inspiring, and admirable. Without science our universe, our world, and even our bodies would be impenetrable mysteries. With science, we have a process to discern these mysteries and gradually figure out the nature and workings of things. Canada and the US continue to engage in cutting edge science research that reap benefits for their countries and the world. Their hard work and dedication makes North America the center for scientific research. Here are two key projects and their benefits:

Canada – The International Space Station

International Space Station

Launched in 1998 and still in use today, Canada along with the United States, Russia, Europe and Japan is a partner in Earth’s orbiting research laboratory, the International Space Station (ISS). The Station is about as long as a Canadian football field, and has as much living space as a five-bedroom house. The space station is a home in orbit where people have lived in space every day since the year 2000. The space station’s labs are where crew members do research that could not be done on Earth but that provides many benefits for Earth.

Scientists study all sorts of things from developing new medicines to what happens to people when they live in space. They have also learned how to keep a spacecraft working for a long time and keep people alive over that period. These lessons will be important in the future as the partners have a plan to send humans deeper into space than ever before. The space station is one of the first steps and they will use lessons from the time spent there to get astronauts ready for the journey ahead.

Canada’s contribution to the ISS is the Mobile Servicing System (MSS)—a sophisticated robotics suite that assembled the Station in space, module by module. Developed for the Canadian Space Agency by MDA of Brampton, Ontario. Canada’s investment gives Canadian scientists access to the ISS to conduct research for the benefit of Canadians.

The benefits of this research is seen not only in Astronautics, but related industries including Aeronautics as many of the discoveries positively impact our understanding of flight within the atmosphere as well as in space. Research for the MSS is funded by the Canadian government via grants and refundable tax credits, with private companies leveraging government funding to provide scientific research and experimental development or shred financing, as a faster option, allowing companies to get to work immediately on valuable research projects. Because of the access to funding that these sources provide, research has become a thriving business for new and established companies.

The United States – The Medina Aquarius Program

The Medina Aquarius Program is dedicated to the study and preservation of marine ecosystems worldwide. At the heart of the program is the one-of-a-kind Aquarius Reef Base, the world’s only undersea research laboratory. Deployed 60 feet beneath the surface in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Aquarius is a globally significant asset that provides unparalleled means to study the ocean, test and develop state-of-the-art undersea technology, train specialized divers and astronauts, and engage the world’s imagination. At Aquarius, international scientists are at the cutting edge of research on coral reefs, ocean acidification, climate change, fisheries and the overall health of the oceans. This Medina Aquarius Program continues to provide valuable research and breakthroughs that have benefited society in the US and abroad.

With heavy investments in research and development, and full access to funding for research companies, North American will maintain its place as the center for scientific research.