Satellite Imagery a Priority for Canadian Government
The Government of Canada has announced a $6.8 million (≈$5 million US) award to Canadian companies to help satisfy Canada's future needs for satellite imagery.
"With Earth observation technologies, data collected from space can give us timely information that allows scientists to see how our planet is changing and help us make better science-based decisions to address issues like climate change and emergency responses."
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
For more than 25 years, images from RADARSAT-1, RADARSAT-2 and the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) have been of enormous value to Canadians. Satellite data provides critical information to ensure the safety and security of Canadians, monitor and protect the environment and the Arctic, and manage its natural resources. The RCM, which is CSA's most recent Earth Observation satellite system, provides 300,000 images every year to the Government of Canada.
Canada is building on its reputation as a global leader in satellite technology by advancing capabilities that will make Canadian Earth observation (EO) satellites even more efficient: faster at delivering higher quality satellite imagery, and better at collecting precise data to enhance climate prediction and to assist navigation in ice-infested water.
Canadian Satellite Imagery Award Details
The Canadian government has budgeted $9.9 million (≈$7.27 million US) to the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to help plan for the next generation of Earth observation satellites to ensure Canada continues to have the information it requires to meet future satellite imagery needs. Key technologies developed under 10 R&D contracts will increase the power of the radar, enable higher resolution images and intelligent anomaly detection, improve measurements of sea-ice thickness, and more.
Through these 10 R&D contracts awarded under the CSA's Space Technology Development Program (STDP), Canadian companies AstroCom, Calian, C-CORE, EarthDaily Analytics and MDA will investigate several promising new satellite EO technologies.
"Our government knows that space can provide a unique vantage point that helps us face challenges of the future. With Earth observation technologies, data collected from space can give us timely information that allows scientists to see how our planet is changing and help us make better science-based decisions to address issues like climate change and emergency responses," said The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. "We are proud to work closely with the Canadian space sector to innovate and develop advanced satellite Earth observation technologies that will assist us in protecting the environment and the health and safety of Canadians."
(Source: Canadian Space Agency news release. Images from file)