WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Canada is extending a 35-year relationship with the European Space Agency (ESA) with $83 million for research on advanced telecommunications, earth observation and general technological development, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Sylvain Laporte said on Friday.
"The investment, in addition to strengthening the long-term partnership with ESA, is one that will support cutting-edge research and industry growth," a press release disclosing Laporte’s remarks explained.
Laporte made the announcement at a European Space Agency (ESA) symposium in the Swiss city of Lucerne, the release noted.
Over the next seven years, the money will be distributed to three ESA programs: Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems; the Earth Observation Envelope Program; and the General Support Technology Program.
Formal cooperation between the Canadian and European space agencies dates back to 1979, according to the release.
