SCISAT satellite launch to further ozone research

Toronto, ON August 14, 2003 SCISAT, a Canadian-built small satellite, was successfully launched this week into orbit from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Designed and manufactured by Magellan Aerospace, the mission of the SCISAT satellite is to collect scientific data to study ozone depletion in the atmosphere. The successful launch of SCISAT marks an important milestone in the ongoing Small and Micro Satellite Program of the Canadian Space Agency.

As the prime contractor for the SCISAT mission, Magellan’s Winnipeg division designed and manufactured the spacecraft bus, integrated the two instruments on the bus and performed all of the functional and environmental testing. Magellan also supported the integration of the spacecraft with the launcher and will provide support to the CSA for the launch, commissioning, and operation of the spacecraft that is planned to be a minimum of two years. The manufacture, integration, and testing were carried out by Magellan’s Winnipeg personnel at the Winnipeg and Ottawa facilities, and the Canadian Space Agency’s David Florida Laboratory.

“SCISAT sets a milestone in Canadian space science and engineering,” says Marc Garneau, president of the Canadian Space Agency. “The SCISAT mission is an excellent example of industry, universities, and government working together to conceive and design innovative technologies and support scientific research. The success of the SCISAT mission illustrates the growing importance of space science for Canada and for the Canadian Space Program.”

Among the new or innovative technologies to be carried on SCISAT are a newly designed antenna and Caltrack star tracker from EMS Technologies, new lithium ion battery technology from COM DEV, a new power control unit from Routes AstroEngineering that complements the lithium ion battery technology, and the innovative GyroWheel attitude control device and command and data handling system from Magellan.