CSA Announces $1.2 Million for MDA to Begin Work on Mars 2007 Mission
Longueuil, Québec, November 20, 2003 – The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) announced today that the
company has been awarded $1.2 million by the CSA for Phase A for a key
scientific instrument of the NASA Phoenix Mission, set to go to Mars in
2007.
“Most benefits from science missions to Mars occur right here on Earth,”
said Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the CSA.
“Such highly specialized technological challenges enhance our industry’s
innovative capacities. Furthermore, the funds are spent right here in
Canada, allowing for new job opportunities and technology transfers to other
sectors of the industry”.
This project marks the beginning of a multiphase program to produce Canada’s
contribution to the Phoenix mission. Phase A involves the development of
detailed specifications and concept design by MDA of key components of the
Meteorological Station information system for the mission. This station
will provide information on the climate of Mars.
“Mars is literally our next stepping stone for the exploration of the Solar
system”, said the CSA’s President Marc Garneau. “This planet is within
reach. It has interesting features such as water, gravity, an atmosphere and
possibly traces of life. Unmanned science missions to Mars, such as NASA’s
2007 Phoenix Mission, help us gather fundamental science and essential
information for future manned missions”.
MDA is the prime contractor to the Canadian Space Agency for Canada’s
contribution to the mission. NASA announced the selection of Phoenix from
four candidate missions on August 5, 2003. MDA leads the industrial team
that includes Optech Inc. from Toronto. The scientific team, lead by Dr.
Allan Carswell of Optech Inc. and of York University, is made up of Canadian
scientists from all over Canada.
About the CSA
Established in 1989 with its headquarters situated in Longueuil, Québec, 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; Space
Technology; Space Qualification Services; Space Awareness and Education. The
Canadian Space Agency is at the forefront of the development and application
of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity.
About MDA
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates is an information company that provides
essential information from anywhere in the world for decision-making in the
workplace. The company operates its business through two principal groups:
the Information Products Group delivers essential land information products
and services that encompass legal, asset and geographical information; the
Information Systems Group provides mission-critical information systems for
monitoring activities on the planet, managing mobile assets and enabling the
mobile workforce. The company employs over 2,000 people around the world.
