Swedish Satellite Mission Prolonged for One More Year
Saint-Hubert, May 22, 2003 – The Canadian Space Agency today announced that
the OSIRIS instrument (Optical Spectrograph and InfraRed Imager System),
flying onboard Swedish satellite Odin, will keep providing detailed data
relating to ozone depletion for one more year, as the satellite and
instruments, including an advanced radiometer for microwave radiation, are
still functional after having completed their 2 year initial mission.
The OSIRIS instrument, built by Routes AstroEngineering Ltd. from Ottawa,
Ontario, started sending scientific data back to Earth in May 2001. These
measurements are key to the research done by the Canadian atmospheric
science team headed by Dr. E.J. (Ted) Llewellyn of the University of
Saskatchewan. Data provided by OSIRIS also helps validate the measurements
made by other satellites such as the European Space Agency’s ENVISAT.
Furthermore, NASA recently asked to use information provided by OSIRIS to
validate data from its upcoming AURA mission. AURA, planned to launch in
2004, will be part of NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) and will study the
Earth’s ozone, air quality and climate.
Odin was sent into orbit in February 2001 on a double scientific mission —
to study ozone depletion in the Earth’s atmosphere and to search for water
and oxygen in interstellar space. This unique satellite can observe stars
with great accuracy and can also scan the Earth’s atmosphere at various
altitudes. In order to switch from astronomy to an aeronomy mode, the
satellite is reoriented by using a 3 axes stabilization system to control
the pointing direction.
The CSA’s contribution to the Odin mission totals approximately $15 million
including some $7 million for the development of the OSIRIS instrument.
About Routes AstroEngineering Ltd.
Routes AstroEngineering Ltd. is a privately owned Canadian advanced
technology company specialized in the design and fabrication of instruments
and subsystems for space science applications, including Space Transport
System (STS) and International Space Station (ISS) payload. AstroEngineering
performs complete systems design, including mechanical, thermal, and optical
elements, it is located in Ottawa, and was established in 1988.
About the Canadian Space Agency
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.
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For more information on the Odin project, please visit:
http://www.snsb.se/Odin/Odin.html
For more information:
Monique Billette
Senior Media Relations Officer
Canadian Space Agency
(450) 926-4370
Dr. W.F. (Tory) Payne
President
Routes AstroEngineering Ltd
(613) 592 0748 ext 105
Dr. E.J. (Ted) Llewellyn
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6441
