These contracts, announced at the ASTRO 2002 conference, have been awarded to Bristol Aerospace Limited, EMS Technologies, COM DEV International, Space Quest, and Dynacon.

This announcement marks the launch by the CSA of a small and micro-satellite program that will oversee the activities of Canadian satellite missions for the next ten years. To reduce costs, the program includes the development of a satellite platform designed to accommodate both scientific and technology-demonstration missions.

"These leading-edge Canadian space companies will develop and improve small and micro-satellite bus design and integration capabilities in Canada," said Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency. "They will also increase the science and technology content on future satellite missions, fostering public-private sector partnerships and alliances – thus reinforcing Canada's commitment to a vigorous knowledge-based economy."

"From Alouette-1 to SCISAT, Canada has championed excellence in space, from the design of sensors to the development of buses, antennas and applications," said Dr. Virendra Jha, Director General of the CSA's Space Technologies. "The Canadian Space Agency will continue to support the Canadian satellite industry so as to provide low-cost access to space for science and technology missions."

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Surrey Buys Multiple Cosmos Rockets For Microsat Launches
Farnborough - Jul 24, 2002
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) of the UK and Rosoboronexport of Russia today signed a contract to launch 8 microsatellites on 3 Cosmos rockets from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome during 2002-2004.