Industry Canada unveils space policy framework

Industry Canada has unveiled a Space Policy Framework with a full pledged Long-Term Space Plan slated for release later this year. The policy framework commits the government to "strategically coordinate its priorities and commitments in space, and put its existing resources to good use". The framework is based on five core principles: national sovereignty, security and prosperity as key drivers of space activity; positioning the private sector at the forefront of space activities; progress through partnerships, both domestic and international; support and advance key technological capabilities; and, communicate the importance of space to support recruitment and retention of highly qualified personnel. The return of space to the government's priority list was prompted by the release in late 2012 of a high-level review of aerospace and space by an advisory council led by former Industry and Foreign Affairs minister David Emerson (R$, December 6/12)....