Satellite television, accurate weather forecasts, search and rescue... these are among the satellite-aided services we take for granted in 2010. But they were unimagined more than 50 years ago when a group of visionary research scientists and engineers proposed producing an instrument to “sound” the ionosphere from above. They ended up engineering and operating Canada’s first satellite, Alouette 1, which is now recognized as a National Historic Event of Canada.

On May 12, 2010, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada unveiled a plaque commemorating the historic significance of the Alouette 1 Satellite Programme in a ceremony held at the Communications Research Centre Canada (CRC) in Ottawa. The satellite was largely designed, built and tested at the CRC’s Shirleys Bay campus when it was home to the Defence Research Telecommunications Establishment. In fact, Alouette’s success contributed to the creation of the CRC in 1969. Many of the pioneers gathered at the event became part of CRC and established its tradition of scientific excellence that continues today.

The event featured dignitaries, Alouette pioneers, their families, former colleagues, present day staff of Shirleys Bay campus, and Grade 7 students from Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School in Ottawa who bestowed celebrity status on the pioneers by asking for autographs.

Prior to the plaque unveiling ceremony, pioneers manned several exhibit tents where artifacts, photos and papers illustrated the story of Alouette 1. The centerpiece of the exhibit was the prototype of the satellite, generously loaned for the day by the Canada Science and Technology Museum (CSTM). Dr. David Pantalony, a CSTM curator, added to the explanation and interaction with school children, staff and other visitors.

Especially poignant was the presence of family members whose pioneer had passed away, including Mrs. Irene Mar, wife of the late John Mar, chief mechanical engineer for Alouette 1; the family of the late David Florida, after which the Canadian Space Agency laboratory is named; and John Chapman Jr., son of Dr. John H. Chapman considered the father of Canada’s space programme. Other adult children came, asking to meet a particular pioneer with whom their deceased dad worked closely.

For the pioneers, the event was a family reunion of sorts, given the long hours they shared in ensuring the satellite’s success. Their sense of pride was palpable as they posed with the plaque.

For more information on Alouette 1 visit http://www.crc.gc.ca/alouette.