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Canada and Italy to Study Joint Hyperspectral Mission
02 August 2006
Longueuil, Quebec – The Canadian Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency today announced they will collaborate on a feasibility study to evaluate the viability of a future joint Hyperspectral Space Mission. The announcement follows the signing last year of a long-term agreement between Canada and Italy to formalize continued cooperation in space-based Earth Observation.
"This study will establish a solid base of cooperation for the future benefit of Canada and Italy," said CSA Acting President Carole Lacombe. "Focusing on a wide range of user needs, an evaluation of this leading edge technological concept will assess the viability of a mission and validate future collaboration and cooperation between our nations in this evolving niche market."
The CSA will provide funding of $1.4 million to MDA of Richmond, B.C., to work with Italian partner Alcatel Alenia Space to define a new Hyperspectral Space Mission capable of meeting scientific and operational objectives that cannot be achieved using existing Earth Observation technologies.
Hyperspectral remote sensing uses the unique spectral "fingerprint" of a surface to map its distribution or monitor its changes. It will improve the efficiency of Canadian industry and will help to improve our management and effective use of natural resources. The benefits also include operational efficiencies in the forestry, energy, mining and environment sectors.
In forestry, it will help to automate forest regeneration surveys and create an inventory of forest species. Operational planning and layout will be enhanced through better information on land use, harvest and burned areas.
In the mining and energy sector, hyperspectral imaging will generate renewed interest in the Canadian North. It is expected that the geology of the remaining areas of the North could be mapped in five years and the mine discovery cycle could be accelerated by two years. It will also support oil and gas exploration.
In the area of environmental stewardship, hyperspectral remote sensing will enable science-based decision making in support of eco-system sustainability. Officers will be better equipped for environmental protection and enforcement and knowledge of the impacts of climate change and adaptation strategies will be increased.
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Source: Canadian Space Agency
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