old CSA article

Alouette-1 Launched Canada as a Space Nation Celebrating Forty Years of Space Excellence

Saint-Hubert (Quebec), September 25, 2002 – Atop a Thor-Agena-B rocket, Alouette-1 launched from Vandenberg, California, on September 29, 1962 at 6:05 UTC. This launch made Canada the third nation in space with its own satellite in orbit, following closely on the exploits of the Soviet Union and the United States.

"Just as the railroad linking the country from coast to coast has played a key role in Canada's history, the launch of Alouette-1 represents a major milestone in our space history, said Dr. Marc Garneau, President of the Canadian Space Agency. It embodies Canadian leading expertise and excellence in space science and technology which continues today through critical space initiatives to deliver benefits to Canadians."

Alouette-1 was launched to study the ionosphere, a layer of ionized gas high above the earth that is frequently used for radio transmissions over long distances. Signals from Short Wave radio, the main mode of communications in the late 50's, propagate by bouncing against the ionosphere before returning to earth. Since the complexity of the ionosphere often produced confusing signals, a team of scientists from Canada's Defense and Research Telecommunications Establishment (DRTE) later renamed the Communications Research Centre, submitted a proposal to the newly formed National Aeronautics and Space Administration to study the ionosphere from above. Designed for a one-year lifetime, the satellite lasted ten years producing more than one million images of the ionosphere.

Besides the atmospheric studies achieved by Alouette-1, the Canadian spacecraft also greatly contributed to space engineering and technology and helped Canadian scientists develop numerous satellites supporting telecommunications with the Anik series, Earth Observation with RADARSAT-1 and science with SCISAT-1.

More information at:

http://www.space.gc.ca/whatsnew/releases/backgr/2002/020925.asp

and pictures at:

http://www.space.gc.ca/asc/results1.asp?keywords=alouette

About the CSA

Established in 1989 with its headquarters situated in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, the Canadian Space Agency coordinates all aspects of the Canadian Space Program. Through its Space Knowledge, Applications and Industry Development business line, the CSA delivers services involving: Earth and the Environment; Space Science; Human Presence in Space; Satellite Communications; Space Technology; Space Qualification Services; Space Awareness and Education. The Canadian Space Agency is at the forefront of the development and application of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and humanity.

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For information:

Monique Billette
Media Relations
Canadian Space Agency
Telephone: (450) 926-4370
E-mail: Monique.billette@space.gc.ca