Canada and the ENVISAT Program
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Maintaining Canada’s Niche in Remote Sensing from Space
Much like Canada, the European Space Agency has been using satellites to "keep an eye" on the Earth’s environment
for almost a decade.
Through the Co-operation Agreement between the Government of Canada and the European Space Agency (ESA), Canada
chose to participate in the ENVISAT environmental satellite program. Canada’s co-operation with ESA provides an ideal
platform for the sharing of knowledge and expertise and the promotion of the use of advanced specialized technologies
developed by Canadian space companies. It also offers unique opportunities to participate directly in select
ESA programs, activities and decision-making, like the ENVISAT program.
ENVISAT will complement RADARSAT-1 and assure data
continuity between RADARSAT-1 and RADARSAT-2 to
be launched at the end of 2003. The satellite has an important role in the preparation for RADARSAT-2 but also for
future Canadian missions, such as a hyperspectral sensor mission. ENVISAT data will help develop Canadian knowledge and
expertise, keeping Canada at the forefront of remote sensing from space.
Some of Canada's top space companies have contributed key components
to the design and construction of ENVISAT, partnering with Astrium and Alcatel, the most recognized companies in the
world in the development of Earth Observation satellites.
To download the "Canada and the Envisat Program" brochure produced by the CSA,
click here.
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