POLAR EPSILON PROJECT

[Nfld Sapper]

Backgrounder

Backgrounder
POLAR EPSILON PROJECT
BG-08.001 - January 10, 2008

The Polar Epsilon project provides enhanced surveillance capabilities for the Department of National Defence/Canadian Forces (DND/CF), which will improve their ability to act quickly in the event of a crisis at home and overseas.

Polar Epsilon was initially developed to address the need of the CF to improve surveillance capabilities over the Arctic and other large areas of responsibility. Polar Epsilon is a space-based wide area surveillance and support capability that is owned and run by DND. The project, valued at approximately $60 million, was approved on May 30, 2005.

The Polar Epsilon project involves using information from RADARSAT-2 to produce imagery for military commanders in their areas of responsibility during the conduct of operations. This includes the surveillance of Canada’s Arctic region, including its ocean approaches, the detection and tracking of foreign vessels, and support to CF operations globally.  Polar Epsilon’s capability to enhance CF situational awareness is due to its ability to provide all-weather day/night surveillance in areas where other sensors are limited or unable to operate. 

Polar Epsilon has successfully completed Phase 1 definition of its Arctic surveillance and environmental sensing capabilities and has commenced implementation for those areas.  These enhanced capabilities will strengthen Canada’s sovereignty in the North and protect our environmental heritage.

Phase 2 definition for maritime surveillance of Canada’s three oceans is ongoing, and includes the design of two new RADARSAT-2 ground stations on the Canadian East Coast in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and on the West Coast near Victoria, British Columbia.  On May 17, 2007, MacDonald Detwiller and Associates (MDA) was awarded the contract to complete this phase of the project.

The advantage of Polar Epsilon is that its imagery can be used for precise cueing and location of activities, which allows for a more efficient and cost-effective use of other Canadian military assets, such as patrol aircraft and ships. Polar Epsilon can also be used to survey for oil or water pollution, airplane or satellite crash sites. The project however, does not have the capability to detect ballistic missiles, nor can it track small vessels or individuals. The data provided by Polar Epsilon is primarily used to support military operations, but can also be accessed by other interested departments or agencies to support their daily operations.

RADARSAT-2, the satellite from which Polar Epsilon draws its information, is a world leading commercially available radar satellite. The Government of Canada, through the Canadian Space Agency, has invested $445 million in the RADARSAT-2 program. RADARSAT-2 is commercially owned and operated by MDA, a Canadian company headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia. RADARSAT-2 was launched in mid-December 2007.

The Polar Epsilon project is expected to be complete by March 2011.

 

[Nfld Sapper]

News Release

News Release
POLAR EPSILON TO ASSERT CANADA’S ARCTIC SOVEREIGNTY
NR–08.002 - January 10, 2008

OTTAWA – With the successful launch of Canada’s RADARSAT-2 on December 14, 2007, the Department of National Defence’s Polar Epsilon project took another step towards strengthening Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic.

Reinforcing the Government of Canada’s integrated Northern Strategy, the $60 million space-based initiative will rely on RADARSAT-2 to provide enhanced land and sea surveillance capabilities for the Canadian Forces (CF) at home and abroad.

“Polar Epsilon will support Canadian Forces sovereignty patrols and operations, and strengthen Canada’s presence in the North,” said the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “Improved surveillance capabilities will allow a more efficient and timely Canadian Forces response to domestic and foreign crises and search and rescue operations.”

“Our Government is committed to advancing an integrated Northern Strategy, a key component of which is to strengthen our sovereignty in the Arctic,” said the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and non-Status Indians. “This initiative, to improve our surveillance capabilities in the Arctic, is another clear demonstration of this commitment.”

Polar Epsilon will improve the CF’s surveillance of Canada’s Arctic, including its ocean approaches, and reinforce Canada’s ocean monitoring and environmental sensing capabilities.  Polar Epsilon augments the Canadian military presence in the Arctic. This presence underscores the Government’s objective of fostering a healthy and prosperous northern region within a strong and sovereign Canada.

Approved in May 2005, Polar Epsilon serves as a stepping-stone for the CF to maximize the use of space in order to meet Canada’s surveillance requirements.  The project enhances awareness in areas where other means of surveillance are limited or unable to operate.

The Arctic surveillance capability of Polar Epsilon will be operational in the summer of 2008, and the entire project is expected to be complete by March 2011.

 

[MarkOttawa]

Deal includes key satellite
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080110.RMDAOTTAWA10/TPStory/Business

After nine years of work and $445-million of Canadian taxpayers' money, Radarsat-2 was launched into orbit in mid-December, marking a milestone in Canadian aerospace history.

Conservative Industry Minister Jim Prentice trumpeted the launch, which took place in a remote corner of Kazakhstan, saying the satellite would help "protect our Arctic sovereignty as international interest in the region grows."

But as the Canadian satellite was flying into orbit, the company behind it was only weeks away from announcing the $1.3-billion sale of its aerospace division, which includes Radarsat-2.

Radarsat-2 will shift to U.S. weapon and rocket maker Alliant Techsystems Inc. of Edina, Minn., from Vancouver-based MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) in a transaction that is raising questions about the future of Canada's aerospace industry...

Despite his earlier enthusiasm for the deal, yesterday the Industry Minister had no comment on the MDA sale. His spokesman said it would be improper for him to discuss the pending deal because Mr. Prentice is also in charge of vetting foreign investment and officials reporting to him will be scrutinizing the Techsystems bid.

The Canadian Space Agency said the proposed sale of MDA's space assets will not affect Ottawa's rights when it comes to using Radarsat-2. Under a deal struck in 1998, Ottawa gets free access to photographs taken by the satellite for the life of the machine, which is expected to keep operating for at least seven years.

Radarsat-2 has cloud-penetrating radar and from an altitude of 800 kilometres it will be able to provide pictures for a host of government departments from National Defence to the Coast Guard to Environment Canada. It will be able to pinpoint foreign vessels, check the health of crops, pinpoint oil spills and calculate the thickness of sea ice.

Mr. Brison [liberal industry critic] said the sale of MDA's space and satellite division, which includes the operations behind the Canadarm, will undermine Canada's ability to produce further notable aerospace achievements.

John MacDonald, a founder of MDA who left the firm in 1998, said he's not worried about the deal, saying the best way to provide MDA's space and satellite division the opportunities to grow is to pair it with a U.S. firm that has better access to U.S. defence and space contracts.

"They really didn't have much of a choice. They had gotten to such a technology level in the space business ... and the problem was they now had to be able to access a market where they could continue to [grow]. The Canadian market was just too small. There wasn't any work for them," he said.

Alliant Techsystems says MDA's space and satellite division jobs will remain in B.C. rather than face a move to its corporate headquarters.

It's often difficult for Canadian-based companies to tap into lucrative U.S. government space and defence contracts...

Mark
Ottawa

 

[Nfld Sapper]

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Some updates on the Polar Epsilon Project


Government of Canada Announces Location of Satellite Reception Ground Stations for Polar Epsilon
NR–09.020 - March 30, 2009

OTTAWA –  The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, announced today the locations of the two satellite reception ground stations for the Polar Epsilon project, marking the start of the second phase of this vital Arctic surveillance project.

The ground stations, to be located on the west coast in Aldergrove, British Columbia and on the east coast in Masstown, Nova Scotia, will be key components of the Canadian Forces’ enhanced surveillance and security capabilities in the Arctic and our maritime approaches.  The ground stations will also enhance Canada’s ground infrastructure for satellite operations, further enabling our nation’s capacity to receive and exploit space-based data for defence, maritime security and the monitoring of our environment and natural resources.

“These ground stations will help Canada to exercise our sovereignty in the Arctic,” said Minister MacKay.  “Without question, Polar Epsilon, combined with the extensive capabilities of the RADARSAT-2 satellite, will make Canada a world leader in using space-based radar surveillance technology.”

“Our Government continues to make major investments in Arctic research that will fulfill the goals of our integrated Northern Strategy,” said Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.  “The data we receive from Polar Epsilon will help protect the North’s environmental heritage.”

The ground stations, which will be wholly owned and operated by the Government of Canada, will receive and process primarily satellite imagery from the RADARSAT-2 satellite launched in mid-December 2007 by MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates.  The design and construction of the ground stations will start immediately, and is expected to be completed by late 2010.  In addition to enhancing domestic security, increased defence investments will bring economic benefits to Canadian industry.  The Canadian high tech and aerospace industries will profit from the investment of millions of dollars required for this next phase of the Polar Epsilon Project. 

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NOTE TO EDITORS:

For further information about Polar Epsilon, please see the backgrounder, available on the DND website at:  http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/view-news-afficher-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=2931



Polar Epsilon Project
BG-09.013 - March 30, 2009

(update to BG-08.001)

The Polar Epsilon project provides enhanced surveillance capabilities for the Department of National Defence/Canadian Forces (DND/CF), which will improve their ability to act quickly in the event of a crisis at home and overseas.

Polar Epsilon was initially developed to address the need of the CF to improve surveillance capabilities over the Arctic and other large areas of responsibility. Polar Epsilon is a space-based wide area surveillance and support capability that is owned and run by DND. The project, valued at approximately $64.5 million, was approved on May 30, 2005.

The Polar Epsilon project involves using information from RADARSAT-2 to produce imagery for military commanders in their areas of responsibility during the conduct of operations. This includes the surveillance of Canada’s Arctic region, including its ocean approaches, the detection and tracking of foreign vessels, and support to CF operations globally.  Polar Epsilon’s capability to enhance CF situational awareness is due to its ability to provide all-weather day/night surveillance in areas where other sensors are limited or unable to operate.

Polar Epsilon has completed its definition phases and is now in implementation for all capabilities including Arctic Surveillance, Environmental Sensing and Maritime Surveillance.  These enhanced capabilities will help Canada exercise our sovereignty in the North and protect our environmental heritage.

The implementation phase of Polar Epsilon will begin immediately, and includes the design and construction of two new RADARSAT-2 ground stations, one on the east coast in Masstown, Nova Scotia, and the other on the west coast in Aldergrove, British Columbia.  The definition phase for the ground stations was completed by MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates (MDA). 

The ground stations will be wholly owned and operated by the Government of Canada and are expected to be operational by late 2010.

The advantage of Polar Epsilon is that its imagery can be used for precise cueing and location of activities, which allows for a more efficient and cost-effective use of other Canadian military assets, such as patrol aircraft and ships. Polar Epsilon can also be used to survey for oil or water pollution, aircraft or satellite crash sites. The project however, does not have the capability to detect ballistic missiles, nor can it track small vessels or individuals. The data provided by Polar Epsilon is used primarily to support military operations, but will provide significant information to several departments and agencies to support their daily operations.

RADARSAT-2, the satellite from which Polar Epsilon draws its information, is a world leading commercially available radar satellite. The Government of Canada, through the Canadian Space Agency, has invested $445 million in the RADARSAT-2 program. RADARSAT-2 is commercially owned and operated by MDA, a Canadian company headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia. RADARSAT-2 was launched in mid-December 2007.

Completion of the Polar Epsilon project is expected by March 2011.

 

[The Bread Guy]

.... as of 29 Jun 10:

Polar Epsilon Project
BG-10.014 (update to BG-09.013) - June 29, 2010

The Polar Epsilon project provides enhanced surveillance capabilities for the Department of National Defence/Canadian Forces (DND/CF), which will improve their ability to act quickly in the event of a crisis at home and overseas.

Polar Epsilon was initially developed to address the need of the CF to improve surveillance capabilities over the Arctic and other large areas of responsibility. Polar Epsilon is a space-based wide area surveillance and support capability that is owned and run by DND. The project, valued at approximately $64.5 million, was approved on May 30, 2005.

The Polar Epsilon project involves using information from RADARSAT-2 to produce imagery for military commanders in their areas of responsibility during the conduct of operations. This includes the surveillance of Canada’s Arctic region, including its ocean approaches, the detection and tracking of foreign vessels, and support to CF operations globally. The Project delivered its Arctic surveillance capability to Canada Command on June 17, 2010, marking another significant step toward strengthening Canada’s sovereignty and security in the Arctic. Polar Epsilon’s capability to enhance CF situational awareness is due to its ability to provide all-weather day/night surveillance in areas where other sensors are limited or unable to operate.

Polar Epsilon has completed its definition phases and is now in implementation for all capabilities including Arctic Surveillance, Environmental Sensing and Maritime Surveillance. These enhanced capabilities will help Canada exercise our sovereignty in the North and protect our environmental heritage.

The implementation phase of Polar Epsilon began in March 2009, and included the design and construction of two new RADARSAT-2 ground stations, one on the east coast in Masstown, Nova Scotia, and the other on the west coast in Aldergrove, British Columbia. The definition phase for the ground stations was completed by MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates (MDA).

The ground stations will be wholly owned and operated by the Government of Canada and are expected to be operational by late 2010.

The advantage of Polar Epsilon is that its imagery can be used for precise cueing and location of activities, which allows for a more efficient and cost-effective use of other Canadian military assets, such as patrol aircraft and ships. Polar Epsilon can also be used to survey for oil or water pollution, aircraft or satellite crash sites. The project however, does not have the capability to detect ballistic missiles, nor can it track small vessels or individuals. The data provided by Polar Epsilon is used primarily to support military operations, but will provide significant information to several departments and agencies to support their daily operations.

RADARSAT-2, the satellite from which Polar Epsilon draws its information, is a world leading commercially available radar satellite. The Government of Canada, through the Canadian Space Agency, has invested $445 million in the RADARSAT-2 program. RADARSAT-2 is commercially owned and operated by MDA, a Canadian company headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia. RADARSAT-2 was launched in mid-December 2007.

Completion of the Polar Epsilon project is expected by March 2011.

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