Canadian Space Agency Call for Proposals: Science and Operational Application Research for RADARSAT-2

Sponsor

Canadian Space Agency (CSA)

Program

Science and Operational Applications Research for RADARSAT-2

For More Information

For more information on the program call for proposals please visit the CSA program website.

Description

With the launch of the RADARSAT-2 satellite, Earth Observation (EO) entered a new era, bringing to prominence the advantages of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors and offering new opportunities for academia. RADARSAT-2 is equipped with a full range of new capabilities including improved ocean modes: high-resolution modes (three-metre resolution and one-metre Spotlight mode), Multi-Look Fine mode, fully polarimetric capabilities (quad polarization) and dual polarization for RADARSAT-1 heritage beams. The Science and Operational Applications Research (SOAR) program offers the possibility of exploring the enhanced capabilities of RADARSAT-2 as well as the heritage modes of RADARSAT-1 and capitalizing on using them in certain applications, meeting operational requirements or contributing to new commercial opportunities.

The goal of this joint Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the CSA AO is to combine our need to develop EO specialists, and particularly in RADAR, capable to fulfill the increasing needs for qualified personnel (HQP) while pursuing the knowledge enhancement on RADAR, and AAFC interest to seek answers on some issues regarding the use of RADAR in agriculture applications.

This Announcement Opportunity (AO) is being offered to address the perceived gap or future need for RADARSAT agriculture applications. Applications related to crop inventory, tillage, soil moisture, land cover / land use to sustain and manage effectively our agricultural lands and harvests. Looking ahead to the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM), with its average daily global re-look capability and 4-day exact revisit, even greater accuracy will be possible. There is therefore a need to focus on the development of the full potential of these satellite systems in this area, and to ensure that there is a cadre of Highly Qualified People (HQO) entering the workforce with the requisite skills.

This AO is being offered to Canadian universities and post-secondary institutions in pursuing the Earth Observation Applications and Utilization (EOAU) Sector's priorities to:

1. support the training and development of HQP in the field of space-borne SAR techniques and methodologies using RADARSAT-2 data,
2. foster research in the development of RADARSAT-2 EO products and services, and
3. facilitate access to RADARSAT-2 data and increase its use.

Eligibility

Canadian universities and post-secondary institutions

Maximum Project Value

$150,000

Indirect Costs

20%

Project Duration

12 months with possibility of extension of up to 12 months.

How to Apply

Please consult the CSA website for application instructions.

NOTE: Researchers will be responsible for submitting their applications to the CSA. 

Applications must be mailed to the CSA at the following address to the attention of:

Stéphane Chalifoux
Office 3A-341
Canadian Space Agency
6767 Route de l'Aéroport
Saint-Hubert, Quebec J3Y 8Y9

• Proposals must be received at the CSA no later than 5:00p.m. (EDT), November 6, 2017.
• Applications sent by email will not be accepted.

Information For Co-applicants

If you need to meet a deadline set by the lead institution for this opportunity, please ensure that you provide the Office of Research with at least five days in advance of the lead institution’s deadline to review the application, or your proposed component of the project. Please be in touch with the Office of Research (contact information below) ahead of the deadline if it looks like it will be difficult for you to submit all the required documentation on time (i.e. budget, proposal, OR-5 Form).