Our leadership in space exploration [Canada]

Our leadership in space exploration
By Ed Fast, Special to the Times September 24, 2010

On Sept. 2, Canada's Conservative government announced that veteran astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield will be the first-ever Canadian to command the International Space Station.

The announcement reaffirmed Canada's role as one of the world's leaders in space exploration.

Most Canadians are unaware that our country was the third nation in space. Canada's astronauts have participated in 15 space missions - more than any country other than the US and Russia. The world famous Canadarm and "space robot" Dextre were both designed, developed and built in Canada. Canadians are rightly proud of our accomplishments in space.

Space exploration and aerospace research are strategic national assets that are essential for Canada to assert sovereignty over its borders and natural resources.

Our leadership in space research and technology also enhances our government's ability to keep Canadians safe and secure.

To ensure that Canada maintains its strong position in this important field, our government is investing $497 million in the Canadian space industry to develop the RADARSAT Constellation Mission, the next generation of advanced radar remote sensing satellites.

Our desire to protect our advantage in radar satellite technology is also the reason why in 2008 Prime Minister Stephen Harper refused to allow the sale of Canadian aerospace firm, Macdonald Dettwiler & Associates Ltd., to a large American military contractor. The proposed sale simply did not meet the test of "net benefit" to Canadians.

Our government's investments in space exploration complement our efforts to safeguard Arctic waters and assert Canadian sovereignty in an era of melting sea ice and increasing northern ship traffic.

At the same time, these investments are driving cutting-edge research within Canada while promoting technological excellence and a resilient economy.

As Colonel Hadfield takes over command of the International Space Station, we wish him and his colleagues a successful mission and safe return.