The Canadian Satellite Design Challenge to advance space education in Canada
is launched

RICHMOND, BC, Sept. 22 /CNW/ - Geocentrix Technologies Ltd. and the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute (CASI) are pleased to announce the launch of the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge (CSDC). CSDC is an innovative program whose goal is to advance space education in Canada, inspire students to pursue science and engineering educations and careers, and prepare tomorrow's leaders with the interdisciplinary teamwork skills which are necessary for success.

The purpose of this competition is to challenge teams of university students (undergraduate and graduate) to design and build an operational small-satellite, based on commercially-available, "off-the-shelf" components. The satellites will undergo full launch and space environment qualification, and the ultimate goal of the CSDC is to launch the winning satellite into orbit in order to conduct science research.

The CSDC will begin at participating universities and colleges in September 2010; the winning satellite(s) will be selected in October 2012. Further details on the CSDC, including sponsorship opportunities may be obtained from the Geocentrix website (www.geocentrix.ca).

Larry Reeves, president of Geocentrix said, "The CSDC is a bold step for a university-level competition, but it has already generated significant excitement and interest even prior to officially starting." He further stated, "CSDC is pleased to be working with key leaders in the Canadian and U.S. space industry and proudly acknowledges their sponsorship. These companies include MITACS, MDA, Microsat Systems Canada, Neptec, ABB, Magellan Aerospace, AppSpace Solutions, Analytical Graphics, Manitoba Aerospace, MAYA, NEI Software, SolidWorks, the Canadian Space Society, and the H.R. Macmillan Space Centre. I am pleased to see the support of these companies, who are recognising the value of building tomorrow's leaders today."

CASI Executive Director Geoffrey Languedoc stated, "CASI fully supports the initiative being undertaken by Geocentrix. The space sector in Canada is vibrant and growing and it offers exciting, well-paid jobs. The Canadian Satellite Design Challenge will generate a great deal of interest on Canadian campuses in a space-oriented career. We welcome the opportunity to work with Geocentrix and its sponsors to help make the CSDC a great success!"

For further information: Media Contact: Larry Reeves, Geocentrix Technologies Ltd., 5050 Elgin St., Vancouver, B.C., V5W 3J6, phone: [phone], e-mail: [email protected]