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Canadian Space Agency

Press Release
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The Canadian Space Agency and RADARSAT International Providing
RADARSAT-1 Data to the Yukon Territory

Saint-Hubert, February 26, 2003 - Allan Rock, Minister of Industry 
Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), 
Phil Gray, President of RADARSAT International (RSI) and Minister 
Glenn Hart of the Department of Infrastructure of the Government of 
Yukon have signed an Agreement to provide the Yukon Territory with 
access to RADARSAT-1 data and data products. These data products will 
be delivered at favourable government rates, as negotiated with RSI, 
the Canadian company responsible for the worldwide marketing, 
processing and distribution of RADARSAT-1 data.

"By signing this Agreement with the Yukon Territory, the Canadian 
Space Agency is ensuring that Canadians in all regions benefit from 
the development and application of space knowledge, science and 
technology," said Allan Rock. "With its leading-edge instruments, the 
world-renowned RADARSAT-1 will be delivering near-real-time, reliable 
Earth observation data and services contributing to the sustainable 
development of Canada's North."

"This agreement will provide the Yukon government with more economical
access to RADARSAT-1 satellite images," said Glenn Hart. " The 
information will be particularly useful for improving natural resource 
management, land use planning and resource development. The images can 
provide a wealth of useful information, such as rock structure and the 
depth of snow pack.  As well, the ability to distribute the 
information widely will encourage collaboration between government and 
the local information technology and education sectors."

"We are pleased to be able to contribute to the development of 
Canada's North by delivering RADARSAT data, added Phil Gray. The 
proven capabilities in geological exploration, mapping and resource 
management applications, together with timely delivery and service 
will meet the radar imaging requirements of the Yukon Territory."

Under this Agreement the Yukon Territory will become a Program Partner 
and will obtain RADARSAT-1 data at the same costs as all other 
federal, provincial and program partners.

Canadian provinces participate in the RADARSAT Program through two 
types of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Provinces with companies 
capable of building a portion of the space or ground segment signed 
Contributing Provinces MOUs (British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and 
Saskatchewan).  All the other provinces were invited to sign 
Participating Provinces MOUs and pre-paid certain funds to the CSA for 
the right to purchase RADARSAT-1 data at favourable government rates.

This Agreement, which expands provincial participation to include the 
first territory, will help the Yukon meet the growing demand for 
imaging from space. These images are to be used in numerous 
applications, notably cartography, geomatics, mineral and oil 
exploration and infrastructure.

About RSI
RSI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates 
Ltd.  (TSX: MDA - www.mda.ca), is a worldwide provider of products and 
information solutions derived from Earth Observation satellite data.

About the CSA
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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Information:
Monique Billette                        Peter Carr
Kate Pilgrim
Media Relations Cabinet                 Communications Advisor
Communications
Canadian Space Agency                   Government of Yukon
RADARSAT International=09
Tel.: 450-926-4370			Tel.: (867) 667-8688
Tel.: 604-231-4988
Monique.billette{at}space.gc.ca		peter.carr{at}gov.yk.ca
kpilgrim{at}rsi.ca
www.space.gc.ca                         www.rsi.ca

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