LONGUEUIL, QC, March 13, 2006 -- The Honourable Maxime Bernier,
Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency
(CSA), today announced that MDA of Richmond, British Columbia has been awarded
a contract to carry out the conceptual design and mission definition for a new
fleet of Earth Observation satellites. Approved in Budget 2005, the
specialised satellite constellation is made up of three small spacecraft to
complement the legacy RADARSAT Program, and will be known as the RADARSAT
Constellation.
"The small satellite constellation will enhance Canada's ability to
ensure its sovereignty and security through space-borne coastal surveillance,"
said Minister Bernier. "It will also ensure the continuity of data services
for government departments and a growing number of commercial clients in more
than 60 countries worldwide." Like RADARSAT, the three-satellite radar
constellation will be designed to function day and night in all weather
conditions.
The RADARSAT Constellation will benefit Canada and other nations by
providing more timely and comprehensive data than is currently available,
enhancing the tracking of ice in Canada's navigational waters, and supporting
safe shipping in the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway and along Canada's
coastlines.
The constellation will also support Canada's contribution to global
disaster management and rescue efforts by detecting oil spills, monitoring
floods, landslides and eruptions, aiding forest firefighting, and providing
information on the evolution of disaster areas worldwide.
Under this $7 million contract, awarded on behalf of the CSA by Public
Works and Government Services Canada, MDA will carry out the conceptual design
work for the planned future satellite constellation to assure the continuity
of data information first offered to Government departments and commercial
users by RADARSAT-1 in 1995. RADARSAT-2 will offer finer resolution, increased
capacity and features and is presently being tested at the CSA's David Florida
Laboratory in Ottawa in anticipation of a launch scheduled in December 2006
from Baikonur, Kazakhstan.
About the Canadian Space Agency
Established in 1989, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) coordinates all
civil, space-related policies and programs on behalf of the Government of
Canada. CSA directs its resources and activities through four key thrusts:
Earth Observation, Space Science and Exploration, Satellite Communications,
and Space Awareness and Learning. By leveraging international cooperation, the
CSA generates world-class scientific research and industrial development for
the benefit of humanity.
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For further information:
Julie Simard
Communications Advisor
Media Relations
Canadian Space Agency
Tel.: (450) 926-4370
E-mail: julie.simard@space.gc.ca
