Canadian Space Agency Investing in Emerging Technologies and Applications
Ottawa, February 20, 2001 – The Honourable Brian Tobin, Minister of Industry
and the Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency today announced
the awarding of 49 contracts worth a total of $12 million to Canada’s space
industry. Minister Tobin made the announcement to leading space industry
representatives, scientists and researchers gathered at the Canadian Space
Agency’s David Florida Laboratory in Ottawa.
“These contracts, awarded to space companies throughout Canada, will support
the development of leading-edge technology and applications,” said Minister
Tobin. “Partnerships created through these contracts, ensure that the
Canadian space industry remains innovative and competitive, and continues to
develop niche markets world-wide.”
“Space technologies have evolved considerably since the beginning of the
space age,” said Virendra Jha, Director General, Space Technologies with the
Canadian Space Agency. “Canada has played a pioneering role and the Canadian
Space Agency will continue to support our leading role in niche areas such
as space robotics, remote sensing, synthetic aperture radar and satellite
communications.”
About the Contract Announcement
The projects awarded today are supporting Canada’s leading space companies
who are assuming the risks of innovation and the commercial development of
knowledge-based products. Their expertise in the design of new technologies
and applications will have an impact in areas as diverse as monitoring
forestry and agricultural resources, 3D mapping supporting third-generation
mobile telephone service, mineral exploration, promotion of science
education in schools or providing specialised support for human exploration
outside of the Earth’s atmosphere.
The contracts awarded today flow from two programs managed by the Canadian
Space Agency in fulfilment of the Canadian Space Plan, approved by the
government in 1999.
Through the Earth Observation Applications Development Program (EOADP), the
Canadian Space Agency is strengthening partnerships with Canadian businesses
well-suited to capitalize on space-based Earth observation technologies.
The Space Technology Development Program (STDP) is supporting Canada’s
leadership in the development of innovative and emerging technologies and
applications that will strengthen the competitiveness of the Canadian space
industry, and position it to meet current and future needs of the Canadian
Space Program.
Consult the backgrounders on the Earth Observation Applications Development
Program and the Space Technology Development Program for more information
and a full listing of companies in regions across the country that are
contributing through these initiatives to strengthening the competitiveness
of the Canadian space industry:
http://www.space.gc.ca/whatsnew/releases/pressrel/default.asp
Grouped by region, monographs of each project awarded to Canadian space
companies and key contacts for interviews may be downloaded from: About the
Canadian Space Agency (CSA):
http://www.space.gc.ca/spacecontracts
Established in 1989 and situated in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, the Canadian Space
Agency coordinates all aspects of the Canadian Space Program. Through its
Space Knowledge, Applications and Industry Development business line, the
CSA delivers services involving: Earth and the Environment; Space Science;
Human Presence in Space; Satellite Communications; Generic Space
Technologies; Space Qualification Services and Awareness. The Canadian Space
Agency is at the forefront of the development and application of space
knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity. For more information:
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2000 budget and is
therefore built into the existing financial framework.
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Information:
Anna Kapiniari
Manager, Public Relations and Media
Canadian Space Agency
(450) 926-4350
anna.kapiniari@space.gc.ca
