C-CORE inks $9.6-M satellite tech contract
Joins Airbus Defence and Space to work on European Space Agency’s Biomass Mission
C-CORE announced Tuesday it has signed a $9.6 million contract with Airbus Defence and Space to design and build satellite tech for the European Space Agency’s (ESA’S) Biomass Mission.
The ESA had contracted Airbus Defence and Space to lead its satellite development, while C-CORE has been subcontracted by Airbus to design, develop, build and install what is called the Biomass transponder.
C-CORE is a St. John’s-based research and development firm and is a separately incorporated corporation of Memorial University of Newfoundland.
The Biomass Mission is being touted as addressing one of the most fundamental components in the Earth system — the status and dynamics of tropical forests.
A news release states that 80 per cent of the world’s biomass is located in the tropical forests. The biomass project will measure carbon stored in our planet’s forests and its evolution over time.
The calibration transponder, measuring over eight metres in diameter, will receive signals from the satellite and transmit a reference signal to ensure the accurate calibration of onboard sensors. This information will help improve current assessments and future projections of the earth’s carbon cycle.
C-CORE was chosen to lead the calibration transponder project building on the success of similar projects. It will be built at C-CORE’S facility in St. John’s and installed at a remote location specially selected to meet the mission needs.