In 1962, Canada became the third country, after the USSR and the USA, to have a satellite in orbit. The “Alouette” program began in 1959 in order to carry out scientific tests in the ionosphere. This basic research led to creation of a successful Canadian space and communications program.
The Alouette contained many technical novelties – extremely long-lasting nickel-cadmium batteries, solar panels, transistors and STEM antennae. This was one of two identical satellites readied for flight. It was later used to develop Alouette II.