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Now that the Sapphire satellite finally has a firm launch date on an Indian rocket on December 12th, the government has seen fit to call a media briefing at the David Florida Laboratory (DFL) to talk about the satellite and it’s mission for the benefit of the public.
However, readers of this news site though have been aware of the Sapphire mission for some time and its frequent delays due to the unreliable Indian rocket launch schedule.
Here are the details from the government release:
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, will introduce Canada’s latest satellite to increase space situational awareness.
When: October 18, 2012
Time: 10:40 a.m.
Media should arrive at least 40 minutes in advance to complete security check-in.
Where: David Florida Laboratory (DFL)
Canadian Space Agency
3701 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, ON, K2H 8S2
Notes to editor / news director: For more information, and to confirm attendance, interested media are requested to contact DND Media Liaison Office, at 1 866 377-0811, no later than 12 p.m. (noon) on October 17, 2012. Please note that accreditation must be completed in advance. Access to the site will not be granted on the day of the event to non-registered media.
Government-issued photo ID required. Due to DFL security restrictions, non-Canadian citizens will not be able to attend. Further, cellular and/or smart phones will not be permitted onsite.
Important note regarding imagery: The Sapphire satellite is under nitrogen purge and is not suitable for image capture. Professional-quality high-definition still images and B-roll of the satellite have been prepared by Canadian Forces Combat Camera and will be provided to media on-site following the announcement. Cameras will be permitted to capture imagery during the ministerial announcement.
