Canadian Microbolometer Sensor Focusing on Oceans, Fires and Volcanoes

by Staff WritersLongueuil, Canada (SPX) Jun 14, 2011

In effect, the NIRST instrument will provide a new tool to monitor forest fires and measure timely the mass of fire released carbon from space. As a signatory to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Canada is committed to this process. Canada's sensor technology will make it possible for scientists to advance understanding of the impacts of forest fires and other natural or human induced changes on global environment.

Canada's Earth Observation Program reached new heights Friday with the successful launch of the 4th Argentinian Satelite de Aplicaciones Cientificas (SAC-D) aboard a Delta II rocket.

The New InfraRed Sensor Technology (NIRST) instrument, jointly developed by Canada and Argentina, will be put into low Earth orbit together with seven other instruments on this five-year international partnership mission.

The NIRST instrument will be used to retrieve temperatures of the surface of the ocean and the hot spots such as forest fires and volcanic activities.

The microbolometer sensors, which are the heart of the NIRST instrument, were designed and investigated through Research and Development activities at the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and subsequently microfabricated and space qualified by the Quebec-based company INO.

Through an agreement between the Canadian Space Agency and Argentina's National Commission of Space Activities (CONAE), the NIRST instrument was selected for this Earth observation mission.

GMES operations another step closer

by Staff WritersParis, France (ESA) Jun 16, 2011

Jean-Jacques Dordain (left), Director General of ESA, and Heinz Zourek, Director General of the European Commission's DG Enterprise and Industry, signed in Paris an agreement confirming the transfer of funds to ESA for the initial operations of the space component for the GMES programme. Credits: ESA-S.Corvaja

Today, the European Commission has signed an agreement confirming the transfer of funds to ESA for the initial operations of the space component for the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security programme.

The agreement, which secures 104 million euros, was signed at ESA Headquarters in Paris by Heinz Zourek, Director General of the European Commission's DG Enterprise and Industry, and Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General of ESA.

This agreement follows on from the EU Regulation that was adopted in October 2010 for the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) programme. The additional funding demonstrates that the existing agreement has been working well and cements the trust the European Union has in ESA to execute its role in realising the GMES programme.

GMES is a unique endeavour that will provide decision-makers with access to accurate and timely information services to manage the environment, understand and mitigate the effects of climate change, and ensure civil security.

Since the success of GMES hinges largely on the provision of robust satellite data, ESA is tasked with coordinating the programme's space component. This includes developing, launching and operating five families of Sentinel satellites, and making the data from these dedicated missions and from other space agencies available for GMES services.

This transfer of funds to ESA, which has been appropriated from the EC's Seventh Framework Programme and GMES Initial Operations Programme, will bridge the gap until the next Multi-annual Financial Framework comes into play in 2014.

The first three Sentinel missions are designed to orbit in pairs, thereby offering maximum coverage of Earth's surface. This latest injection of funds will cover the costs for operating the first satellites until the new operational EU funds become available.

It will also provide initial funds that will allow the preparation of contracts for the launch of the second satellites that make up the Sentinel pairs.

source: http://www.spacedaily.com

Latest Trends and Developments in Outer Space Security

by Staff WritersLos Angeles CA (SPX) Jun 16, 2011

A busy little world.

The Space Security Index (SSI) is pleased to announce the release of the executive summary of Space Security 2011, the eighth annual report on developments that have an impact on the security and long-term sustainability of outer space.

"The Index provides a comprehensive summary of civil, commercial and military space activities in 2010, identified important trends, and analyzes their impact on space security," said Cesar Jaramillo, Project Manager for the report. It was produced by the Space Security Index, an international research consortium that aims to improve transparency with respect to space activities and to support the development of national and international policies that contribute to space security.

Funding and support for the SSI project comes from Secure World Foundation (SWF), The Simons Foundation, Project Ploughshares, the Institute of Air and Space Law at McGill University, and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. The goal of the Index is to provide a well-informed, unbiased perspective on the current status of space security.

"The Space Security Index is a unique source of information about civil, military, and commercial space activities," said Dr. Ray Williamson, Executive Director of Secure World Foundation. "The SSI has proven to be a valuable resource for our discussions of space security issues and the long-term sustainability of outer space in numerous forums. We support the SSI because it makes a difference," he said.