Inuvik Satellite Station Facility. Photo: Wikipedia

[Via Satellite 06-26-2015] Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has entered a $6 million agreement with MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) for in-service support to maintain and operate Canada’s national ground station infrastructure at Inuvik, Prince Albert and Gatineau.

MDA is also the exclusive supplier for hosting services to international satellite operators who desire to install and operate antennas at the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility (ISSF) for satellite control and data reception. The ISSF receives satellite information that is used for environmental monitoring, security and surveillance, and natural resource development.

Canada uses the ISSF to enhance Arctic monitoring, spur on social and economic development in the North, and provide Canadian and international users with access to Earth observation data.

The NRCan contract also extends its strategic collaboration with MDA on Radarsat 2 and Radarsat constellation mission programs, and positions MDA to supply satellite command and reception systems and services to other satellite operators at the ISSF.