The Alliance for Earth Observations announced Wednesday the addition of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA).
MDA has a vested interest in the Alliance's mission to engage the private sector in U.S. and international planning for Earth observations, especially as it relates to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS).
"For over 35 years, MDA has participated in all aspects of Earth observations, from satellite sensor construction to information extraction and exploitation," said Roger Mitchell, vice president for program development at EarthSat, an MDA geospatial information subsidiary.
"We understand the contribution GEOSS can make to improving the human condition worldwide. The Alliance offers an excellent opportunity to participate in the future of GEOSS."
MDA serves businesses and government organizations worldwide through the development of satellites, robotic instruments, and information products and systems. MDA data benefits a variety of industries, including agriculture, real estate, insurance and defense.
When launched, MDA's RADARSAT-2 satellite, developed in partnership with the Canadian Space Agency, will provide high-resolution data for both scientific and commercial needs. MDA is also working with the German company RapidEye to build a constellation of five multispectral satellites.
"MDA is one of the private sector's most progressive companies in the area of remote sensing and Earth observations," said Nancy Colleton, Alliance executive director and president of the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).
"Their expertise and cutting-edge technology will be an asset to the Alliance and global observation efforts."
The Alliance for Earth Observations is an initiative of IGES, a nonprofit Earth and space science education and policy organization located near Washington, D.C.
