Allan Rock, Minister of Industry Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), Phil Gray, President of RADARSAT International (RSI) and Minister Glenn Hart of the Department of Infrastructure of the Government of Yukon have signed an Agreement to provide the Yukon Territory with access to RADARSAT-1 data and data products. These data products will be delivered at favourable government rates, as negotiated with RSI, the Canadian company responsible for the worldwide marketing, processing and distribution of RADARSAT-1 data.
“By signing this Agreement with the Yukon Territory, the Canadian Space Agency is ensuring that Canadians in all regions benefit from the development and application of space knowledge, science and technology,” said Allan Rock. “With its leading-edge instruments, the world-renowned RADARSAT-1 will be delivering near-real-time, reliable Earth observation data and services contributing to the sustainable development of Canada’s North.”
“This agreement will provide the Yukon government with more economical access to RADARSAT-1 satellite images,” said Glenn Hart. ” The information will be particularly useful for improving natural resource management, land use planning and resource development. The images can provide a wealth of useful information, such as rock structure and the depth of snow pack. As well, the ability to distribute the information widely will encourage collaboration between government and the local information technology and education sectors.”
“We are pleased to be able to contribute to the development of Canada’s North by delivering RADARSAT data, added Phil Gray. The proven capabilities in geological exploration, mapping and resource management applications, together with timely delivery and service will meet the radar imaging requirements of the Yukon Territory.”
Under this Agreement the Yukon Territory will become a Program Partner and will obtain RADARSAT-1 data at the same costs as all other federal, provincial and program partners.
Canadian provinces participate in the RADARSAT Program through two types of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Provinces with companies capable of building a portion of the space or ground segment signed Contributing Provinces MOUs (British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan). All the other provinces were invited to sign Participating Provinces MOUs and pre-paid certain funds to the CSA for the right to purchase RADARSAT-1 data at favourable government rates.
This Agreement, which expands provincial participation to include the first territory, will help the Yukon meet the growing demand for imaging from space. These images are to be used in numerous applications, notably cartography, geomatics, mineral and oil exploration and infrastructure.