CSA contributes to ESA, signs MDA contract

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has agreed to contribute $15.8 million to the European Space Agency (ESA) to ensure continued input on the agency's direction and access to satellite imagery and data. The agreement was made during a two-day meeting of the ESA council in The Hague. The Canadian investment comes as the CSA gears up under its new president, Dr Steve McLean and continues work on a Long-Term Space Plan, which replaces the 2003 Canadian Space Strategy. At least one element of the strategic plan was hinted at last month with the announcement of a 16-month, $40-million contract with MacDonald Dettwiler & Associates Ltd to begin design of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission. The government says the next generation satellite will support initiatives in natural resources management, sustainable development, security, sovereignty, disaster management and rescue efforts....