The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), reaffirming their pursuit of international space cooperation for peaceful purposes while working towards economic and social development for both countries. The Memorandum will foster the study of cooperative programs in satellite communications and satellite remote sensing as well as encouraging cooperation in the field of exploration and use of space by the private sector and academia in both countries.
Both parties also signed a letter referring to the several projects and activities in which ISRO and CSA have a joint interest. Such projects include: the possible participation in a Moon Orbiter mission, an agreement for Launch Early Operations Phases — which could be applied for the upcoming launch of SCISAT-1; the support of the United Nation Space Science and Technology Education Centre in India; and collaboration in the ASTROSAT/UVIT (Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope) mission. The signing of the Memorandum took place at ISRO Headquarters in Bangalore, India. In attendance with Dr. Garneau were representatives of the Canadian space industry: Communications Research Centre, BOT Engineering, COM DEV, EMS Technologies Canada, ICT Development Group, Info-Electronics Systems, MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA), Oasis Geomatics Inc., PCI Geomatics, RADARSAT International (RSI), TATA Consultancy Services.
