CSA Space technology, an essential tool to support rescue efforts after a devastating earthquake

Following a 9.0 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, a massive
tsunami struck Sri Lanka on 26th December 2004, killing over 140,000 people.

Through the International Charter “Space and Major Disasters,” the Canadian
Space Agency is currently leading a group of international partners in
coordinating the provision of space-based imaging to help mitigate the
effects of this tragedy. Satellite images and data (from satellites like
Canada’s RADARSAT, as well as IRS, SPOT, LANDSAT, MERIS/ASAR ENVISAT, ASTER)
are used to better evaluate the impact of the disaster. Space-based
technology is an essential tool to support and aid rescue efforts and
alleviate the effects of disasters on human life.

Visit the Charter’s website to view images of the disaster at
www.disasterscharter.org .

For more information on the Canadian Space Agency, visit our website at
www.space.gc.ca . To book an interview, please call at 450-926-4370.

Julie Simard
Conseillère en communications, Relations médias /Communications Advisor,
Media Relations
6767, route de l’Aéroport, St-Hubert (Québec) J3Y 8Y9
Tél.: (450) 926-6651
Fax (450) 926-4352
Cell.: (514) 241-3327
www.espace.gc.ca