The Marine Interactive Satellite Technologies (MIST) program is the third in a series of progressively successful multimedia satellite-based initiatives led by the Canadian Space Agency and Telesat and supported by the European Space Agency that are providing vital services to Canadians in remote regions of the country.
Innovations in leading-edge satellite technology are rapidly bridging the gap between urban and remote regions of Canada, said the Honourable Brian Tobin, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency.
Partnerships between the CSA, Telesat Canada and other leading organizations are helping improve the quality of essential services such as education, health and safety for Canadians across the country. Marine Interactive Satellite Technologies (MIST).
The MIST project equips marine vessels with high-speed mobile satellite communication terminals that can link patients or on-board medical staff with medical experts on shore. Along with use for emergency purposes, the terminals can be used by passengers for everything from checking their office e-mail to booking a hotel at their destination port.
"Given the frequency and severity of environmental and man-made disasters around the world, any technology that improves emergency care represents an exciting breakthrough with global potential", said Abdul Lakhani, senior specialist in applications and networks at Telesat and a pioneer in rural and remote communications. "Working with the Canadian Space Agency and the European Space Agency, we're using satellite technology to connect Canada, providing a level of medical care, education, and connectivity never before imagined".
Canada is a co-operating member of the European Space Agency, and the MIST project is part of ESA's ARTES 3 Multimedia Initiative. For more information on Telesat activities, please see Related Links.
