For over 30 years, Canada's RADARSAT satellites have been providing invaluable Earth observation data, delivering services Canadians rely on every day - from monitoring illegal fishing activities to assisting disaster relief efforts. To build on this legacy and meet growing national needs, the Canadian Space Agency is advancing work on Canada's next-generation satellite system.
Today, following a competitive procurement process, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced three contracts, valued at $2.4 million in total, awarded to Calian, Kepler and MDA Space. These contracts will support the development of concepts for the systems used to control Canada's new generation of Earth observation satellites and manage their data on Earth. This funding complements the funding announced in December 2025 for the satellite infrastructure in orbit.
Together, these investments underscore the growing importance of space as not only a strategic national asset, but also one of our sovereign capabilities under Canada's new Defence Industrial Strategy. Strengthening Canada's sovereign satellite capabilities will help safeguard our country's security, enhance resilience and protect national interests.
Satellites provide daily observations of Canada's lands, waters, and northern regions. This data supports essential services Canadians rely on, from maritime surveillance to tracking sea ice and ensuring the safe delivery of supplies to northern communities.
