Traveling Exhibit Explains How Canadian Satellites Are Improving Crop Management And Quality

Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques and Fernand Proulx, Chief Operating Officer of the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation, recently unveiled the new travelling exhibition Space to Spoon, designed by the Canadian Space Agency and the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum.

Through videos and interactive experiences, visitors will see how satellite data, including those collected by RADARSAT-2, are used by farmers. They will also learn how those data support the development of sustainable agriculture practices and what impact they have on the food we eat.

Highlighting Canadian innovations in space and agriculture, Space to Spoon launches in Canada's 150th anniversary year. The exhibition will travel all over the country until 2020.

The exhibition is made up of four modules integrating interactive and digital elements, including hands-on models, videos and photos, to guide visitors through the tour and enhance their understanding.

The Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation, which includes the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, is managing the exhibition's itinerary. The exhibition will first be available at Resurgo Place until May 21, 2017.

RADARSAT-2 offers precision ground monitoring. Farmers can use this satellite's data to improve risk management and crop quality.

In 2018, the CSA will launch the RADARSAT Constellation Mission, which will improve data quality and availability. This constellation of satellites will provide a significant advantage over its predecessor by making it possible to monitor Canada's entire land mass on a daily basis.
Quotes

"Canada is a world leader in satellite technology. This exhibition provides Canadians with a concrete example of the potential of technological innovations to improve their daily lives," said The Honorable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. "The contribution of these innovations to competitiveness in critical sectors of our economy, such as agriculture and sustainable development, is undeniable."

"We are very proud to unveil this travelling exhibition as part of the Canada 150 celebrations," said The Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. "It will provide Canadians with an enriching opportunity to learn about our space technologies. Thanks to this partnership between the Canadian Space Agency and the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, science and technology will be present in a wide variety of cultural and other public venues in the years to come."

(Image provided with CSA news release. Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques gives a tour of the Space to Spoon exhibition to young people in Moncton, New Brunswick)

FMI: www.asc-csa.gc.ca