Longueuil, Quebec, October 8, 2003 -Canada’s space industry will directly benefit from an Arrangement signed yesterday between the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) that ensures Canada’s participation in the Development and Validation Phase of Europe’s Galileo Program.
Galileo is a European satellite navigation and positioning system that will provide highly accurate global positioning services. The CSA’s $11 million contribution to this phase of Galileo allows Canadian companies to respond to requests for proposals and to take an active part in the program.
“By collaborating with ESA in this leading-edge international satellite navigation initiative, Canada is targeting its funding to provide new and exciting opportunities for the Canadian space industry,” said Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the CSA.
Galileo is a joint initiative of the European Commission and ESA. It will be the first satellite positioning and navigation system intended specifically for civilian purposes and it will improve the reliability and availability of navigation and positioning services worldwide. When fully deployed in 2008, Galileo will employ up to 30 satellites in medium earth orbit, and will be supported by a worldwide network of ground stations. The Development and Validation Phase will take place from 2003 to 2006.
“Galileo’s new generation of navigation services will also benefit Canadians in such areas as air and sea traffic control, ground transportation, crime prevention, urban planning, agriculture and fisheries,” said Marc Garneau, President of the CSA.
The Arrangement was signed yesterday in Paris by Raymond Chrétien, Canada’s Ambassador to France, on behalf of the Government of Canada, and by Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA’s Director General.