Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced Canada will supply three instruments and a satellite to gather data on aerosols, water vapour and clouds as part of the NASA-led Atmosphere Observing System (AOS). The first satellites in the program are due to go up in 2028, with the Canadian components to launch in 2031. (The Logic)

Talking point: The Canadian Space Agency is preparing requests for proposals to make the components, which are to be issued in 2023, spokesperson Alyssa Roussy told The Logic. Comprising four satellites, the AOS is meant to provide better data for weather forecasting, including predicting extreme events such as storms and droughts, and to improve human understanding of the atmospheric features that affect climate. Earth observation is a major component of the federal government’s space strategy because of its usefulness in disaster preparedness, forecasting for industries like agriculture and keeping eyes on far-flung parts of Canadian territory.