Building the future of Canada's Earth observation satellites
(Credit: CSA)
In a country as vast as Canada, satellites make it possible to observe remote regions regularly and dependably. They also provide critical data to deliver essential services Canadians rely on, from monitoring floods and responding to natural disasters, to tracking Arctic sea ice and supporting safe delivery of supplies to northern communities.
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is taking important steps towards developing the future of Canada's Earth observation capabilities. As such, Canada's next-generation satellite system will help our country continue to innovate and maintain its leadership in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology.
The next-generation satellite system is divided into two segments:
- Ground segment: satellite control system and data management system on Earth
- Space segment: satellite infrastructure in space
Three contracts valued at up to $804,000 each were recently awarded to Calian, Kepler and MDA Space to develop concept studies for the ground segment of Canada's next-generation satellite system.
As part of the ground segment concept studies, the companies will provide:
- a concept for a modern, flexible ground system to operate the satellites and manage their data
- a development and implementation plan for this system
- an overview of key technologies, including their readiness level, potential risks, and strategies to address them
The CSA also awarded contracts in late to C-CORE, Kepler and MDA Space for the space segment. Through these multiple investments, the Government of Canada is helping diversify Canada's space sector while supporting innovation.