Canadian Government Information on the Internet (CGII)

by Anita Cannon, the Depository Services Program and Contributors

Space exploration -- Federal Information

• Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS)
• Canadian Astronaut Office (Canadian Space Agency)
• Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
• CANOPUS Project (Canadian Space Agency)
• RADARSAT (Canadian Space Agency)
• Space Science Program (Canadian Space Agency)

Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS)
The Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) is responsible for acquiring earth observation data and developing remote sensing technology. This site is packed with information about remote sensing, including: satellite images of Canada; descriptions of CCRS research programs with a searchable staff directory; a section on CCRS partnerships with other government bodies, industry, academia and international organizations; data, images and other products both free and fee-based; a glossary of radar, optical and airborne remote sensing terms and acronyms; a bibliography of all publications written by CCRS scientists from 1971 on; online tutorials; a Frequently Asked Questions page; a list of events; and a directory of remote sensing companies and organizations that covers Canada as well as other countries. The site is very user-friendly. Most of its databases can be either searched or browsed (although many were not working at the time of review), and there is a search engine that will cover the entire site or just selected portions. The "What's New" section and a monthly "Spotlight" on a noteworthy feature or event are both archived back to 1995. The Centre's newsletter, "Remote Sensing in Canada", is given full text from 1995 on, and there is a substantial excerpt from "Remote Sensing Then and Now" on the history of the CCRS.
(2002-02-02, Carolyn Barnes, Ontario Legislative Library )

Site available in English and French.

Canadian Astronaut Office (Canadian Space Agency)
Has information on the program, astronauts, past flights, future plans, the career of being an astronaut, training required, etc., profiles of various missions, information on Canadian technology used in space missions, news releases, and links to related sites.

Site available in English and French.
http://www.espace.gc.ca/

Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
This site covers most aspects of the Canadian space program. Each section is detailed below. Choose "Fast Facts" for a very brief look at the space program. Choose "What's New" for additions to the site. Choose "News Releases" for the latest news and archived press bulletins. Under "Business and Industry", you will find details about partnerships with industry. "Publications" provides estimates, performance reports as tabled in Parliament. The "Gallery" is an extensive database of images from space, searchable by keyword. Under "Careers and Professions", you will find information about the Astronaut program. "Upcoming Events" includes Canadian Space Agency activities all over Canada. "Kool Zone" includes videos, facts and links to other sites. "Educators' Corner" provides information about scholarships and training programs, national education activities and materials available from the Canadian Space Agency. "Kidspace" provides input from children across Canada. The entire site is searchable by keyword and includes a list of frequently asked questions.
(1999-01, Maureen Martyn, Library of Parliament )

Site available in English and French.
http://www.space.gc.ca/

CANOPUS Project (Canadian Space Agency)
The CANOPUS project is explained and recent data is made available, such as stills and video clips of the northern lights. There are announcements, a meetings calendar, information on other CSA projects and how to receive data from them. Full-text of the "Magog Manifesto", a document outlining a direction for space science in Canada. There is a summary in French of the CANOPUS project.

Site available in English.
http://www.dan.sp-agency.ca/www/canopus_home.html

RADARSAT (Canadian Space Agency)
This site provides detailed information about RADARSAT -- a sophisticated earth observation satellite developed by the Canadian Space Agency. For specialists and educated observers, much detailed information is available including a specification sheet and other technical details. Under "RADARSAT Information" choose "Frequently Asked Questions" for a general overview of the project. RADARSAT images are available at this site, including the coverage of "Unique Events" (under "RADARSAT Activities") such as the Manitoba flood. Also included are details of the Antarctic Mapping Mission. A small navigation tool appears on the right hand side of the Web page. Most access points are from the main page.
(1999-01, Maureen Martyn, Library of Parliament )

Site available in English and French.
http://radarsat.espace.gc.ca/

Space Science Program (Canadian Space Agency)
This site contains detailed information about Canada's scientific space programs. The site is divided by the type of science: space life sciences, space astronomy, microgravity sciences, solar-terrestrial relations and atmospheric sciences. Each section provides various levels of details about ongoing projects in these areas. Also included are announcements for upcoming research opportunities, news releases, an image gallery and opportunities for students. Scroll to the bottom of the page to access the french version of this site.
(1999-01, Maureen Martyn, Library of Parliament )

Site available in English and French.
http://www.space.gc.ca/csa_sectors/space_science/default.asp

Copyright © 2002 Anita Cannon and Public Works and Government Services Canada