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Canadian Space Agency

Press Release
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OSIRIS and Odin Mission Extended
Swedish Satellite Mission Prolonged for One More Year

Saint-Hubert, May 22, 2003 - The Canadian Space Agency today
announced that the OSIRIS instrument (Optical Spectrograph and
InfraRed Imager System), flying onboard Swedish satellite Odin, will
keep providing detailed data relating to ozone depletion for one more
year, as the satellite and instruments, including an advanced
radiometer for microwave radiation, are still functional after having
completed their 2 year initial mission. 

The OSIRIS instrument, built by Routes AstroEngineering Ltd. from
Ottawa, Ontario, started sending scientific data back to Earth in May
2001. These measurements are key to the research done by the Canadian
atmospheric science team headed by Dr. E.J. (Ted) Llewellyn of the
University of Saskatchewan. Data provided by OSIRIS also helps
validate the measurements made by other satellites such as the
European Space Agency's ENVISAT. Furthermore, NASA recently asked to
use information provided by OSIRIS to validate data from its upcoming
AURA mission. AURA, planned to launch in 2004, will be part of NASA's
Earth Observing System (EOS) and will study the Earth's ozone, air
quality and climate. 

Odin was sent into orbit in February 2001 on a double scientific
mission -- to study ozone depletion in the Earth's atmosphere and to
search for water and oxygen in interstellar space. This unique
satellite can observe stars with great accuracy and can also scan the
Earth's atmosphere at various altitudes. In order to switch from
astronomy to an aeronomy mode, the satellite is reoriented by using a
3 axes stabilization system to control the pointing direction.

The CSA's contribution to the Odin mission totals approximately $15
million including some $7 million for the development of the OSIRIS
instrument. 

About Routes AstroEngineering Ltd.
Routes AstroEngineering Ltd. is a privately owned Canadian advanced
technology company specialized in the design and fabrication of
instruments and subsystems for space science applications, including
Space Transport System (STS) and International Space Station (ISS)
payload.  AstroEngineering performs complete systems design,
including mechanical, thermal, and optical elements, it is located in
Ottawa, and was established in 1988. 


About the Canadian Space Agency
Established in 1989 with its headquarters situated in Saint-Hubert,
Quebec, the Canadian Space Agency coordinates all aspects of the
Canadian Space Program. Through its Space Knowledge, Applications and
Industry Development business line, the CSA delivers services
involving: Earth and the Environment; Space Science; Human Presence
in Space; Satellite Communications; Space Technology; Space
Qualification Services; Space Awareness and Education. The Canadian
Space Agency is at the forefront of the development and application
of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity.

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For more information on the Odin project, please visit:
http://www.snsb.se/Odin/Odin.html

For more information:

Monique Billette
Senior Media Relations Officer
Canadian Space Agency
(450) 926-4370

Dr. W.F. (Tory) Payne
President
Routes AstroEngineering Ltd
(613) 592 0748 ext 105

Dr. E.J. (Ted) Llewellyn
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6441

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