Canada Awards 12 Companies Contracts to Make Earth Observation Products

Artist rendition of RadarSat 2. Photo: MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA)

[Via Satellite 08-08-2014] The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has awarded 12 contracts collectively worth $6.7 million to develop new products from the agency’s Radarsat 2 Earth Observation (EO) satellite and other spacecraft. Contract winners included Macdonald Dettwiler and Associates (MDA), Kepler Space, GHGSat and domestic companies from across the country.

The CSA wants new technologies that will apply satellite radar data to environmental focuses such as agriculture, wetland studies and forest industry. The contracts can also be used for products to improve natural disaster responses, monitor oil and gas activity and study ice formation.

“The investments announced today will help provide important information so we can better understand our planet while creating jobs and contributing to the growth of Canada’s reputable space industry,” said James Moore, Canada’s minister of industry.

The CSA’s Earth Observation Applications Development Program issued Request for Proposals (RFPs) in February 2014.