Canada has the second largest landmass and the longest coastline of any country in the world. Observing Canada’s territory from space, including the Arctic, is a powerful and cost effective tool to monitor our land, water and borders. From space, satellites can provide information on:
- Natural resources
- Environmental monitoring
- Shipping and navigation
- Safety, sovereignty and security
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has been managing satellite station facilities in collaboration with the private sector since 1972. NRCan’s satellite station facilities are strategically located across Canada to ensure coverage of Canada’s landmass and waters. These facilities include:
- Prince Albert Satellite Station (established 1972)
- Gatineau Satellite Station (established 1986)
- Inuvik Satellite Station Facility (established 2010)
Together these three stations provide satellite imagery coverage of all areas of Canada. Coverage also extends into the continental United States and over all three oceans (Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic).