Marc Boucher: December 2009 Archives

SpaceRef will be updating only on a limited basis until next Monday at which time we will resume our normal schedule until New Year's Eve. From New Year's Eve until Monday, January 5th we will once again only be publishing on a limited basis.

We wish everyone the best during this holiday season and please do be careful during your travels!

Happy Holiday's

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) today issued a Request for Information (RFI) to Canadian organizations involved in space technology development and/or research in Canada to provide comments on technical information stemming from the European Space Agency's (ESA) 1st Semester 2010 Technology Harmonization process led by ESA's Technology Harmonization Advisory Group (THAG), where the CSA represents the Canadian delegation.

Earlier this fall John Chapman of White Rock, BC, a semi-retired mining expert who is also a strong proponent of commercializing space wrote to Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Steve MacLean about the creation of prizes to accelerate space related technology. Last week he received a positive response.

ScanEx of Russia has finalized a distribution agreement with MDA Geospatial Services Inc. to be an official distributor of Canada's RADARSAT-2 satellite. The application of RADARSAT-2 images will expand the possibilities of radar satellite monitoring of natural and man-made objects and phenomena in Russia.

The National Space Agency of Ukraine (NSAU) has awarded MDA a contract to build them a communication satellite system including a geostationary communications satellite, two satellite control centres and related ground infrastructure. The deal is worth $254 million dollar (US).

The steadily increasing cost of micro satellite launch services has reached the point that the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is seriously considering the development of an indigenous launch system. In late November they issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a strategic analysis of the market.

Leave it to Sir Richard Branson to put on a show. A lavish unveiling was scheduled for SpaceShipTwo now known as Virgin Mothership (VMS) Eve carrying Virgin Space Ship (VSS) Enterprise. Unfortunately mother nature was not being co-operative with strong winds and a frigid night with even the possibility of snow. Leaving the theatrics behind after a roll-out of the VMS Eve carrying VSS Enterprise everyone, including some 800 strong media, celebs, customers and the like headed indoors for speeches and to mingle.