Space Educational Package

Cover of the November 2025 issue of Kayak. Colour illustration shows an astronaut outside of a space station.

Canadians have been involved in space exploration since its earliest days. From satellites to moon landers to the Canadarm, our technology has made amazing things possible. Canadian engineers, doctors and others were essential to the American space program, and since the 1980s, we’ve also had our very own astronauts conducting experiments and adding to humanity’s knowledge of space. 

Those advances are already being applied back on Earth and, as this issue’s fiction story describes will soon help medical personnel in remote Canadian communities. The visionary John H. Chapman, a key creator of Canada’s space program, is the subject of our comic. 

Learn all about Canada’s proud history in space in the November issue of Kayak!

Download the PDF

Activities

Astronaut Challenge: What Would You Pack?

Astronauts often bring small but meaningful items into space that reflect their culture, identity, and community.

Space Technology Saves Lives

Canadian contributions to space research have had a direct impact on healthcare, communication, and technology.

KAYAK CONTEST

Stamped into Space

Have students analyze a stamp — then submit it for a chance to win a Kayak prize pack!

RIPPLE EFFECTS

11 Inventions to Celebrate

There’s no doubt about it: Canada has produced some awesome inventions. Here are the stories behind our favourites.

Young Citizens: 10 stories of science, creativity and innovation

Watch 10 Young Citizens videos that show how science and technology have changed the way we work, live and play.

Running Towards Change

In this lesson, students will learn about Terry Fox and explore the history and development of lower limb prostheses.

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Our Thanks

We are grateful to the Department of Canadian Heritage for their support of this educational initiative.

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Health on Earth

Fiction Feature: In the near future in a tiny Northwest Territories community, a boy experiences the benefits of medical information gained from experiments in space.

Ultimate History

Asteroid dust may hold clues to the origin of life on Earth.

Trailblazing Astrophysicist Opened Doors

Astrophysicist Allie Vibert Douglas popularized astronomy and encouraged women in science.

Going the Distance

Key moments when technology brought Canadians—and the world—closer.