ABSTRACT
Commercial space-based imagery has become a very important contributing factor to the daily activity of the business community, maritime operations and defence. Canada, one of the first countries to launch a satellite into space, has become a world leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar technology. The commercial market for space-based imagery is growing daily, and basically anyone with a credit card can access this capability. The Canadian government must ensure that the needs of both the guardians and the merchants are addressed in the correct balance so this tremendous opportunity is not overlooked. The data collected helps the Canadian Ice Service to supply daily ice charts, which are critical to Canadian Coast Guard operations, maritime transportation and the fishing industry. Canada shares many national security and foreign policy interests with its principal ally, the United States Within that close relationship, it has worked with the US to ensure that its commercial space-based remote sensing systems do not compromise their shared interests.
