29 Nov 2016

SFU and MDA form an Industrial Research Chair

Canada is well known all over the world for its radar imagery expertise. Ever since the launch of our first Earth observation satellite, RADARSAT-1, our country has played an important role in using satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data to help us understand and monitor the resources of our planet. As such, there is a strong interest among the space community in continuously developing state-of-the-art SAR technologies and increasing the number of Canadian specialists with remote sensing and data analysis skills.

In order to address these critical needs, Simon Fraser University (SFU) and MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) created an Industrial Research Chair (IRC). Students and subject-matter experts will be exploring ways to improve and better exploit technologies that use SAR data provided by Earth observation satellites, such as RADARSAT-2. The IRC research program will focus more specifically on developing leading-edge applications in disaster management, environmental and natural resource monitoring, and maritime surveillance.

As part of this IRC, students will gain hands-on experience in a university–industry working environment. With a more knowledgeable and skilled workforce, Canada will be able to fully take advantage of the SAR data acquired by the upcoming RADARSAT Constellation.