[10-18-07 – Satellite Today] Eumetsat, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites, reached a deal to have closer ties with Canada, Eumetsat announced Oct. 18.

The agreement, which will begin in 2008, will see Europe and Canada work together to improve weather, climate and environmental monitoring through the observation of atmosphere and oceans.

As part of the memorandum of understanding, Eumetsat and Canada will review possibilities for advancing scientific knowledge and product development, including Canadian participation in Eumetsat’s Satellite Application Facilities. Eumetsat is coordinating a growing network of these facilities, which are co-located at National Meteorological Services throughout Europe.

Eumetsat and Canada also will review opportunities for improving the acquisition and exchange of satellite data and products. They will cooperate to improve high latitude observations to support operational meteorology and climate change.