At 7:10 p.m. (PT) last evening, SCISAT, a
Canadian-built small satellite was successfully launched into orbit from
Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Designed and manufactured by Magellan
Aerospace, the mission of the SCISAT satellite is to collect scientific data
to study ozone depletion in the atmosphere. The successful launch of SCISAT
marks an important milestone in the ongoing Small and Micro Satellite Program
of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
As the prime contractor for the SCISAT mission, Magellan’s Winnipeg
division designed and manufactured the spacecraft bus, integrated the two
instruments on the bus and performed all of the functional and environmental
testing. Magellan also supported the integration of the spacecraft with the
launcher and will provide support to the CSA for the launch, commissioning,
and operation of the spacecraft that is planned to be a minimum of 2 years.
The manufacture, integration, and testing were carried out by Magellan’s
Winnipeg personnel at the Winnipeg and Ottawa facilities, and the CSA’s David
Florida Laboratory.
“We are very proud of the work that our team at Magellan has done to make
the SCISAT mission a reality,’ said Paul Heide, General Manager of Magellan’s
Winnipeg Space and Defence business. “Magellan’s role in the design,
manufacture and integration of the satellite bus demonstrates a complete
Canadian capability in the area of Small Satellites available for application
to future Canadian space programs.”
“SCISAT sets a milestone in Canadian space science and engineering,” said
Marc Garneau, President of the Canadian Space Agency. “The SCISAT mission is
an excellent example of industry, universities, and government working
together to conceive and design innovative technologies and support scientific
research. The success of the SCISAT mission illustrates the growing importance
of space science for Canada and for the Canadian Space Program.”
Among the new or innovative technologies to be carried on SCISAT are a
newly-designed antenna and Caltrack star tracker from EMS Technologies, new
Lithium ion battery technology from COM DEV, a new Power Control Unit from
Routes AstroEngineering that complements the Lithium ion battery technology,
and the innovative GyroWheel(TM) attitude control device and Command and Data
Handling system from Magellan. Aside from the achievements in advancing
Canadian science and technology, the technologies developed for the SCISAT
mission are a portal to new markets for Canadian industry. The knowledge and
capabilities gained from participating in this world-class project provide
industry with the opportunity to spin-off their products and capabilities to
pursue roles in the commercial and international marketplace.
About the Canadian Space Agency
Funding for the SCISAT mission 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 and is at the
forefront of the development and application of space knowledge for the
benefit of Canadians and humanity.
About Magellan Aerospace
Magellan Winnipeg 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 one of the world’s most integrated and
comprehensive aerospace industry suppliers. Magellan designs, engineers, and
manufactures aeroengine and aerostructure components for aerospace markets,
advanced products for military and space markets, and complementary specialty
products. Magellan is a public company whose shares trade on the Toronto Stock
Exchange, with operating units throughout the United States and
Canada.
For more background information on the SCISAT mission, visit the CSA
website at: http://www.space.gc.ca/scisat1
For images and animation, visit: http://www.space.gc.ca/asc/eng/csa_sectors/space_science/atmospheric/scisat/images.asp
