CSA awards $5M in grants to enable the development of Earth observation applications
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is committed to enhancing the capacities and expertise of Canada's academia in the use and application of satellite data. To enable this, the CSA recently allocated $5M in grants over 3 years to support post-secondary institutions in the development of Earth observation (EO) applications that will address climate change, a priority for Canada.
Awarded through the CSA's smartEarth funding initiative, these grants allow academia to be equipped with resources, to collaborate with national and international partners, and to train new highly qualified personnel (HQP).
Harnessing satellite EO data to address climate change
Post-secondary institutions were invited to propose their projects through an announcement of opportunity published in . Applicants had to demonstrate how their ideas will contribute to at least one of the CSA priorities stated in Canada's Strategy for Satellite EO. Most projects are expected to hire, support, or positively impact Indigenous communities, and all the projects will address climate change.
In total, 17 projects were selected, involving 144 HQP and expected to include 69 students. Examples of projects, to name just a few, include using satellite data to enhance wildfire plume monitoring in Canada, and making use of satellite data to advance our understanding of ocean biological carbon pumps of the Arctic and sub-Arctic seas. Read the full list of recipients and their projects.
smartEarth
smartEarth is the CSA's funding initiative related to EO applications development. It fosters a smart use of satellite data to develop solutions to key challenges on Earth and in our everyday lives. Funding opportunities are provided through three different tracks: the Accelerator, the Integrator and the Enabler.
smartEarth's objectives are to:
- develop innovative satellite data solutions to help meet various needs on Earth and in our lives
- increase collaboration among Canadian stakeholders
- enhance expertise, growth, and competitiveness in Canada's space sector
- advance scientific knowledge