Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Using CASCADE Technology for polar exploration and improvement of community living  (Using CASCADE Technology for polar exploration and improvement of community living)

Outline
CASCADE is a communications technology payload to be flown on the CASSIOPE mission funded by the Canadian Space Agency and Technology Partnership Canada. The mission will be launched in late 2007 and operate through the IPY. The scientific payload on CASSIOPE, ePOP (enhanced Polar Outflow Probe) funded by the CSA, is a leading edge polar science experiment, but no additional funding is requested for ePOP in this proposal.CASCADE uses the unique GigaPackage Express™ store-and-forward technology developed by MDA to service remote communities and mobile exploration units in isolated geographical regions. The gigabyte data-forward capability is also of interest to the planned CSA polar science mission THEMIS GBO (in partnership with NASA), which generates multi-GB data per day. In parallel with the CASCADE demonstration on CASSIOPE, MDA is actively attracting private investment for a commercial operating CASCADE service.We propose that CSA, in partnership with INAC and MDA, acquire 4 CASCADE ground-terminals and equip them with select Northern communities during the demonstration phase of CASCADE. The purpose is to study ways to use modern communications technology to better the lives of the Northern communities, whether it is through delivery of large amount of digital information, telemedicine, or resource exploration.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
– please refer explicitly to the 6 IPY themes (see www.ipy-api.ca and www.ipy.org)The target is mainly the betterment of Northern communities through use of modern technologies, therefore connecting mainly to theme 6. The proposal also has relevance to Natural Science Research, as the GigaPackage Express™ can meet the data delivery challenge of modern polar science, this especially considering the US National Science Foundation is considering a up to US $200 M initiative to populate the polar region with ground instruments. A proven Canadian solution in delivering massive data would encourage the realization of this investment, and lead potentially to revenues to Canadian companies.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
4 Northern Communities will be chosen in consultation with INAC.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
No permanent local infrastructure is foreseen. However, expert technicians will be needed to install the system and educate the local community on its use.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Assume the Gigapackage Express™ is demonstrated both technologically and benefit-wise, the legacy to Northern community can be huge (assuming INAC can find resources to install the systems on large scale). Allowing the community, for example, to download a gigabyte multi-media movie from space, for example, would be very beneficial. The indirect benefit of exposing the community to modern technology is helpful to education and outreach, as well.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
Own national polar operator
Another national polar operator
National agency
Commercial operator
Own support
Other sources of support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project is probably best led by INAC, as it conforms to their mandate the best. CSA`s role would be to bring the space asset to the mix.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Under Development.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
No significant data management issue, although THEMIS GBO opportunity (not part of this request) should be studied.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
1. Purchase of the ground terminals: $1.2 M (estimate – the final price from MDA is confidential)2. Installation and user education: $0.3 M (technician travel, artic operations, etc)3. Access feee: $0.1 M

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Director Réjean Michaud
6767 route de l'Aéroport
St-Hubert
Qc
J3Y 8Y9

Tel: 450-926-4760
Mobile: 514 578 4773
Fax: no
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation