Quebec funds space-based planetary monitoring system

The Montreal-based information services company NorthStar will receive $13 million from the Government of Quebec to develop an advanced environmental and near-space monitoring system. NorthStar is creating a digital platform that will integrate data from 40 satellites to provide Earth Observation and Space Object Tracking services, which are considered to be rapid-growth areas in the global space economy. As well as protecting against orbital collisions, the company will provide tools to monitor and manage Earth’s environment and natural resources by analyzing the fine chemistry of objects on the planet’s surface. When fully operational, NorthStar anticipates creating as many as 1,600 direct and indirect Big Data and Information Analytics jobs. The provincial funding is part of an overall $52 million first round of financing. The funds will be used to develop applications related to agriculture, forestry, energy, transportation, water quality, advanced maritime awareness, and space situational awareness.