Earth Observation in Canada
- Paper number
IAC-08.B1.6.5
- Author
Mr. Guennadi Kroupnik, Canadian Space Agency, Canada
- Coauthor
Dr. Jean Paquette, Canadian Space Agency, Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Savi Sachdev, Canadian Space Agency, Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Luc Brule, Canadian Space Agency, Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Raymond Guillemette, Canadian Space Agency, Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Michel Vachon, Canadian Space Agency, Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Daniel De Lisle, Canadian Space Agency, Canada
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Space offers a unique vantage point to observe the Earth and its environment, to study, understand, and protect our planet and, most importantly, allow us to improve the quality of life on Earth. Canada has the second largest landmass on the planet, spanning six time zones and encompassing 20 ecozones. It is surrounded by three oceans with the world’s longest coastline. The country includes vast arctic territories. It is endowed with an abundance of natural resources, including ten percent of the world’s forests, large mineral reserves, significant energy resources, substantial agriculture and fishery industries and a variety of pristine natural landscapes. Monitoring and protecting the environment, managing natural resources, asserting sovereignty and ensuring security over such a large, diverse and sparsely populated territory calls for an important contribution from Earth Observation systems. Since the early 1970s, Canada has been involved at the forefront of the Earth Observation data utilization. It became a world leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data acquisition and processing with the launch of RADARSAT-1 in 1995. Designed for 5 years in service, RADARSAT-1 celebrated in 2007 its twelfth anniversary, having flown 2,506,560,990 km while orbiting the Earth. The lessons learned in operating the world’s leading commercial SAR program contributed to development and successful launch of RADARSAT-2 in 2007. Providing data continuity to RADARSAT-1 users, it strengthens Canada's leadership role in the design, deployment and operation of SAR technology and represents a milestone in exploring opportunities for Private-Public Partnerships in the Earth Observation business in Canada. Radarsat-2’s advanced modes of operations enable the expanded user community to develop innovative applications that bring space technology benefits down to Earth. Looking into the next generation of the SAR satellites, CSA is currently assessing the RADARSAT Constellation project. It aims at developing a constellation of SAR satellites that will ensure C-Band data continuity for main operational users of RADARSAT and enable new applications offered by the increased coverage and short revisit time. In 2003, Canada launched SciSat-1 that measures trace gases, thin clouds and aerosols in the stratosphere, thereby enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the several chemical processes that play a role in stratospheric ozone depletion. Data provided by SCISAT-1 and Canadian instruments studying atmospheric chemistry and dynamics, such as MOPITT and WINDII, serve to demonstrate how space is contributing to understanding the planet we live on. The SWIFT (Stratospheric Wind Interferometer for Transport) project, which is being developed currently, aims at measuring stratospheric wind vectors to validate complex climate and weather models. Canada has developed over the years a solid science and technology base and a vibrant space industry, to enable Earth Observation missions. Despite its success, Earth Observation in Canada is at a crossroad. The nature and scope of EO activities is rapidly changing. Two trends are emerging in Earth Observation: Earth Observation is going global, and the traditional separation between operations and science is blurring. Many of the challenges addressed by Earth Observation such as the evolution of the climate and the transport of pollutants are global in nature. This is why, international initiatives, like the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), allow Canada to share data and be more effective in achieving its national Earth Observation goals. The objective of this paper is to explore the potential of the Canadian contribution to GEOSS. It will provide a technical and programmatic overview of the currently operated, planned and potential Canadian Earth Observation missions and applications, including new and original material on new mission concepts, and identify Canadian centers of expertise. Based on this, the authors will offer an analysis of the Canadian contribution to GEOSS and benefits to the international and national interests. The authors certify that the paper has not been presented at a previous meeting and that financing and attendance of an author at the IAC at Glasgow to present the paper is assured.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.B1.6.5.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.