First Science Satellite in over 30 Years
And the countdown begins. Canada’s first
science satellite in over thirty years, SCISAT-1, was unveiled today at a
ceremony at Magellan Aerospace’s Bristol facility in Winnipeg. Scheduled for
launch on January 19, 2003, SCISAT-1 will help a team of Canadian and
international scientists improve their understanding of the depletion of the
ozone layer, with a special emphasis on the changes occurring over Canada and
in the Arctic.
Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Secretary of State for
Science, Research and Development and senior federal minister for Manitoba, on
behalf of Allan Rock, Minister of Industry, joined Marc Garneau, President,
Canadian Space Agency and Jim Butyniec, Vice President and General Manager,
Bristol Aerospace, together with Professor Peter Bernath, University of
Waterloo and Dr. Tom McElroy, Environment Canada to explore the leading-edge
technology that will improve our scientific understanding of the complex
atmospheric changes that are occurring, particularly, in the far north.
“SCISAT-1 is an excellent example of how universities, government and
industry are working together to drive the design of innovative technologies
and support leading-edge scientific research,” said Dr. Pagtakhan. “This
research addressing ozone depletion – a major concern for all Canadians – will
help to improve our quality of life.”
“We are very proud of SCISAT-1. It is a m_³`xtone in space science
innovation and will have a major impact on all Canadians, including
generations to come”, said Marc Garneau, President of the Canadian Space
Agency. “Our investment in this all-Canadian science satellite is helping
Canada become a leader in environmental science and technology, moving us one
step closer to improving our understanding of humanity’s interactions on the
environment.”
“The benefits of programs like SCISAT-1 reach well beyond the walls of
Bristol, where the manufacturing and integration work is carried out”,
explained Jim Butyniec, Vice President and General Manager, Bristol Aerospace.
“The Canadian space industry grows in knowledge and experience from the
process of developing the new capabilities required to carry out this mission
in support of the scientific community. Bristol is proud to play such an
important role in building and launching the first small satellite bus in
Canada in more than a generation.”
The scientific goal of the SCISAT-1/ACE (Atmospheric Chemistry
Experiment) mission is to measure and understand the chemical processes that
control the distribution of ozone in the Earth’s atmosphere, particularly at
high latitudes. The data, recorded as SCISAT-1 orbits the Earth, will provide
Canadian and international scientists with improved measurements relating to
global ozone processes and help policy makers assess existing environmental
policy and develop protective measures for improving the health of our
atmosphere and prevent further ozone depletion.
The ozone research to be undertaken by the SCISAT-1 mission will be
headed by Professor Peter Bernath of the University of Waterloo, who leads a
scientific team of researchers from around the world. The Fourier Transform
Spectrometer (ACE-FTS), built by ABB Bomem of Quebec City is the primary
instrument selected for the AtmoÁLSric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) mission
onboard SCISAT-1. A second instrument, built by EMS Technologies of Ottawa,
Measurements of Aerosol Extinction in the Stratosphere and Troposphere
Retrieved by Occultation (MAESTRO) will also fly on the SCISAT-1 satellite.
Dr. Tom McElroy of Environment Canada is the principal investigator for
MAESTRO, with support received from Professor James Drummond of the University
of Toronto.
Background information on the SCISAT-1 mission: www.space.gc.ca/scisat-1
Images and animation:
http://www.space.gc.ca/csa_sectors/space_science/atmospheric_env/scisat1/images/default.asp
About the Canadian Space Agency
Funding for SCISAT-1 is provided under Canada’s Space Program. The
Canadian Space Agency is the federal government agency responsible for
implementing all activities of the Canadian Space Program. Established in 1989
with its headquarters situated in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, the Canadian Space
Agency coordinates all aspects of the Canadian Space Program. Through its
Space Knowledge, Applications and Industry Development business line, the CSA
delivers services involving: Earth and the Environment; Space Science; Human
Presence in Space; Satellite Communications; Space Technology; Space
Qualification Services; Space Awareness and Education. The Canadian Space
Agency is at the forefront of the development and application of space
knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity.
About Bristol/Magellan Aerospace
Bristol Aerospace is a Magellan Aerospace company, located in Winnipeg,
Manitoba. Bristol has contributed to space science research for over 30 years.
It is a world leader in the manufacturing of sounding rockets and has produced
more than 130 payloads for rocket and space shuttle missions. Magellan
Aerospace Corporation is a diversified supplier of products and services to
commercial and defence aircraft manufacturers worldwide. Manufactured products
include high performance composite and metal structures, rotating and non-
rotating engine components, and space and defence rocket systems. Magellan
applies its engineering expertise to the design and development of
aerostructure and aeroengine components, advanced materials, and energy and
space systems. Services include overhaul of jet and industrial engines,
aeroengine components and aircraft structures. Magellan (MAL) is listed on the
Toronto Stock Exchange and has operating divisions throughout the United
States and Canada.
For further information
Monique Billette, Senior Media Relations
Officer, Canadian Space Agency, Tel.: (450) 926-4370, www.space.gc.ca
Laura
Stephenson, Communications Manager, Bristol Aerospace, Tel.: (204) 775-8331
ext. 2831, Lstephen@bristol.ca, www.bristol.ca
Daphne Guerrero,
Communications Advisor, Office of the Hon. Dr. Pagtakhan,
Tel.: (613) 995-1333, guerrero.daphne@ic.gc.ca
