Canadian Ingenuity: The robotics and scientific innovation of Canadarm | The Kingston Whig Standard
Early NASA missions launched rockets, satellites and people into space. Much of the costly equipment was single-use only, and by the 1970s, a plan to develop reusable shuttles emerged. Along with the transport equipment, a robotic arm was deemed necessary. The Canadians were prepared for the challenge.
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With the triumphant launch of the robotic arm, Lindberg moved to new aerospace projects. In 1982, “he became head of the NRC’s pursuit of aircraft research and development and space systems,” Tower said, “including the wind tunnels still seen at Uplands Airport.”
Lindberg “became the executive director of the space division of the NRC in 1986 and played a key role in establishing the Canadian Space Agency in 1989,” University of Alberta stated. The scientist served “as its vice-president of research and applications until his retirement in 1997.”
Enjoying the job of candidate selection, Lindberg and the space agency chose the extraordinary astronauts Marc Garneau, Chris Hadfield, Julie Payette, Roberta Bondar and others. “We picked pretty well,” Lindberg told Tower. The Canadian astronauts each went into distinguished careers after their adventures in space. “They were and are all quite amazing people.”
After retiring, Lindberg applied his talents to benefit his community. Living in Ottawa’s Alta Vista neighbourhood for most of his life, the executive and his wife, Daryl, raised two sons. The younger Lindberg men are environmental scientists with federal government agencies. (Before she retired, Daryl Lindberg worked in social services. She also now shares her skills with hospice and church.)
In 2008, University of Alberta presented Garry Lindberg with the Distinguished Alumni Award. As well, in 2017 he was named Member of the Order of Canada. The award was not only for his contributions to the establishment of Canada’s space programs, but also for “more than 20 years of volunteering for local initiatives and community events.”
Lindberg’s brilliance and dedication to the space program helped to ensure Canada’s place as a world leader in robotics and scientific innovation.
Susanna McLeod is a writer living in Kingston.