Calgary-based companies have captured two of 49 prestigious contracts to develop new space technology for the Canadian Space Agency.
Itres Research was granted $396,664 to evaluate new short-wave technologies, while IIT Image Interpretation Technologies landed a $225,400 contract to develop geological and environmental mapping in the energy sector.
More than $12 million in contracts were announced Tuesday by Industry Minister Brian Tobin at a gathering of space industry representatives, scientists and researchers at the space agency’s David Florida Laboratory in Ottawa.
“These contracts, awarded to space companies throughout Canada, will support the development of leading-edge technology and applications,” said Tobin.
“Partnerships created through these contracts, ensure that the Canadian space industry remains innovative and competitive, and continues to develop niche markets world-wide.”
Officials said the contracts will support new research and development in areas such as forestry and agricultural resources, mineral exploration, 3D mapping and third-generation mobile telephone service, promotion of science education in schools and providing specialized support for human exploration in outer space.
Itres Research is contracted to adapt and evaluate state-of-the-art Short Wave Infrared detector technology, a demonstrate this technology for evaluation of remote sensing applications. Two other companies, Spectral Applied Research and EMS Technologies, will take part in the project.
IIT Image Interpretation Technologies will evaluate the ability of hyperspectral data to support the oil industry in exploration, development, environmental monitoring, seismic and pipeline planning and geo-hazard mapping. It will also explore emergency and disaster response planning.
Web Watch:
www.space.gc.ca
www.iitech.ab.ca
www.itres.com
