Canada’s space industry will directly
benefit from an Arrangement signed yesterday between the Canadian Space
Agency (CSA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) that ensures Canada’s
participation in the Development and Validation Phase of Europe’s Galileo
Program.

Galileo is a European satellite navigation and positioning system that will
provide highly accurate global positioning services. The CSA’s $11 million
contribution to this phase of Galileo allows Canadian companies to respond
to requests for proposals and to take an active part in the program.

“By collaborating with ESA in this leading-edge international satellite
navigation initiative, Canada is targeting its funding to provide new and
exciting opportunities for the Canadian space industry,” said Allan Rock,
Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the CSA.

Galileo is a joint initiative of the European Commission and ESA. It will be
the first satellite positioning and navigation system intended specifically
for civilian purposes and it will improve the reliability and availability
of navigation and positioning services worldwide. When fully deployed in
2008, Galileo will employ up to 30 satellites in medium earth orbit, and
will be supported by a worldwide network of ground stations. The Development
and Validation Phase will take place from 2003 to 2006.

“Galileo’s new generation of navigation services will also benefit Canadians
in such areas as air and sea traffic control, ground transportation, crime
prevention, urban planning, agriculture and fisheries,” said Marc Garneau,
President of the CSA.

The Arrangement was signed yesterday in Paris by Raymond Chrétien, Canada’s
Ambassador to France, on behalf of the Government of Canada, and by
Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA’s Director General.

About Canada and ESA

The European Space Agency (ESA) is composed of 15 Member States. Canada is a
Cooperating Member and the only non-European country to participate directly
in earth observation, telecommunications, navigation, exploration and
technology development programs of ESA. Under the terms of the Canada-ESA
Cooperation Agreement, CSA’s contributions to ESA programs are returned in
the form of contracts to Canadian industry. The year 2004 will mark the 25th
anniversary of Canada-ESA collaboration.

About the Canadian Space Agency

Established in 1989 with its Headquarters situated in Longueuil, Quebec, the
CSA is responsible for the overall national program. The CSA delivers
services relating to Earth and the Environment, Space Science, Human
Presence in Space, Satellite Communications, Space Technology, Space
Qualification Services, Space Awareness and Education. The CSA is at the
forefront of the development and application of space knowledge for the
benefit of Canadians and humanity.