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Satellite Communications Industry - Space Agencies
By Editor | November 5, 2007
The satellite communications industry has many space agencies across the globe. In this article we provide a glimpse at a handful of the larger space agencies within the satellite communications industry.
The Canadian Space Agency
Established in 1989 by the CSA Act, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) operates like a typical government institution. The Canadian Space Agency’s president oversees five primary functions of the organization very similar to other space agencies within the satellite communications industry: Space Operations, Science, Programs, Technologies and the Canadian Astronaut Office.
The president of the Canadian Space Agency also oversees the following executive functions which are not necessarily unique in the satellite communications industry: Government Liaison, Auditing, Communications, Evaluation and Review, Strategic Development, Corporate Management and External Relations.
http://www.space.gc.ca/asc/eng/default.asp
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
No organization in the world had as much of an impact on the satellite communications industry as NASA has made. This space agency was established in 1958 by President Eisenhower, NASA was the United State’s response to the Soviet Union’s launch of the first satellite, Sputnik I, which was probably the biggest event ever in the history of the satellite communications industry and propelled space exploration to new heights never before dreamed. Some believe the true existence of NASA began forty years earlier with the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA). NACA had been researching flight technology and the possibilities of space exploration, which eventually morphed into NASA upon President Eisenhower’s interest in space and ensuring the United States stayed ahead of the Soviets in the satellite communications industry.
The true success and growth of NASA came during the Kennedy administration when President Kennedy vowed to place a man on the moon by the end of the 1960’s. During this time the satellite communications industry and space exploration agencies around the globe and pioneered the future of space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
No article about space agencies in the satellite communications industry would be complete without discussion of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA’s research spans from the surface of the sun to the bottoms of the ocean. Their primary focus is weather forecasting and monitoring of climates around the globe.
NOAA’s mission is more related to domestic issues such as supporting marine commerce and fisheries management. NOAA’s scientists use technology with the help of the satellite communications industry to provide this support which also includes emergency management assistance for decision makers in emergency response organizations such as FEMA.
European Space Agency
Like the European monetary system, the satellite communications industry and space science in Europe is also becoming a consolidated effort among European countries. The ESA’s mission is to ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and shape the development of Europe’s space capability and and the world.
ESA can undertake programs and activities beyond the scope of any individual member of the ESA, thus it consolidates the member resources of its 17 members.
ESA’s 17 Member States are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Canada, Hungary, Poland, Romania and the Czech Republic also participate in some projects under cooperation agreements.
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/index.html
Topics: Satellite Communications Industry |