Space serving the Arctic and the Great Canadian North

The Canadian North and the Arctic are a vast region of ice and snow, and the home of people with rich and diverse cultures. This region is home to iconic wildlife, such as the polar bear, the walrus and the caribou. Its waters abound with marine mammals, fish, mollusks and crustaceans. Its night sky is lit up with multicoloured auroras, which can impact communications and infrastructures. Its underground is bursting with minerals such as diamonds, gold, platinum, iron and uranium. Many scientists believe that nearly a third of the world's gas and petroleum resources are hidden there.

Scientists, governments and indigenous nations use satellite data to make the best possible decisions to meet the needs of communities in the North and diversify the local economy while simultaneously preserving biodiversity.

Which satellites are used to observe the Arctic?

• RADARSAT Constellation Mission and RADARSAT-2: To facilitate marine surveillance, ice monitoring, disaster management, ecosystem monitoring, resource management and mapping in Canada and around the world.
• M3MSat: To locate ships and manage marine traffic from space.
• SMOS: To map sea surface salinity, monitor soil moisture on a global scale, better understand the water cycle, and map snow- and ice-covered areas.
• SWOT (in development): To observe ocean surfaces and measure how lakes, rivers, reservoirs and oceans are changing over time.
• THEMIS mission: To observe and measure disturbances in Earth's magnetic field.

Why use satellites to observe the Arctic?

Looking after the environment

The Arctic has a unique biodiversity, with a variety of wildlife, national wildlife areas and migratory bird sanctuaries. Its snowy peaks and ice floes act as air conditioners for our planet. Its numerous natural resources, including several large mineral deposits, can only be developed by preserving this ecosystem, which has already been heavily affected by climate change.

Governments use satellite data to understand changes in the environment and make the best decisions possible to protect it.

Helping monitor Canada's changing environment

As a Resource Management Officer for Parks Canada, Brian Koonoo travels extensively to the northern tundra to compile information about the changing environment. Remaining abreast of weather conditions is a key challenge to working in this potentially hazardous region where temperatures and conditions can quickly change. Koonoo uses RADARSAT data to help identify the dangerous parts of the tundra and permafrost areas and what the best routes might be. RADARSAT data is an increasingly important part of that process, as climate change has made traditional knowledge of the Arctic icescape less reliable. Read Brian's full story.

Tracking ice movement

Arctic ice is one of the ecosystems most affected by the increased temperatures caused by climate change. This phenomenon clears entire areas for navigation on the Arctic Ocean. The melting of the Northwest Passage has provided a navigation alternative, reducing the trip from Europe to Asia by 8,000 km.

Local authorities turn to space and satellites to:

• track ice changes
• better understand climate change
• ensure that sea routes and ice roads are safe
• plan new infrastructures
• support ship navigation

Navigating sea ice to deliver supplies

Credit: Michael Stokes

Michael Stokes is a ship's captain who mostly works in the Arctic. He brings food and supplies to a remote mining community. He is one of the few captains operating in the region. RADARSAT data is essential to his work. The ship he navigates is 40 years old and is the oldest in the fleet. That means he has to be extra careful to avoid getting jammed in sea ice, which risks damaging the ship. RADARSAT data provides Michael with the details that he needs to make navigation decisions to keep his crew safe and ensure the supplies are delivered. Read Michael's full story.

Preserving our land

The Arctic Archipelago and the Canadian North represent over 40% of Canada's land territory. Because of climate change, this territory is changing quickly. The ice is melting, thereby changing the landscape, leading communities to change their habits and opening waterways for navigation.

It is essential to:

• monitor and protect the Canadian North
• look after its resources

Because they provide a comprehensive picture of the land and water, satellites offer unique solutions in this regard. They enable us to:

• ensure that activities conducted, even in isolated areas, comply with Canadian laws and respect the environment
• manage marine traffic effectively to minimize impacts on the environment and the land
• prevent or intercept any illegal activities along Canadian coasts or at sea

Providing health care in isolated regions

In northern communities, it is not always easy to access medical care. Technological progress in satellites has led to the creation of systems and applications that are revolutionizing public health care services, particularly for people living in remote or isolated regions. In the health care field, the use of these technologies is called "telemedicine."

Observing and studying the northern lights

The northern lights are caused by wind, explosions, radiation and storms around the sun. Though their beauty is unparalleled, these space weather phenomena can have a direct impact on our daily lives, such as: interfering with radio, cell phone and GPS communications, disrupting power grids.

By studying solar activity, scientists can better predict the northern lights. We can also better prepare ourselves. Researchers are also beginning to understand the phenomena associated with the Earth's magnetic field and the magnetosphere, which protect us from the sun's deadly rays.

Our satellites at your service

• RADARSAT-2 helps create permanent road link to Arctic Ocean
• Monitoring ice to better manage water in northern communities: the C-CORE project
• Measuring glaciers' ice loss in the Arctic with RADARSAT-2
• Learning about glaciers to understand climate change using RADARSAT-2
• Data Compendium: 20 years of radar imaging over the polar regions

What are the North and the Arctic?

• Geographic location
• Implications of changing climate

Explore further

• Using satellites to protect and navigate Canada's waters
• Monitoring and protecting our ecosystems from space
• Taking action on climate change