Canadian Weather Satellite Launched Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) teamed up with the California-based SpaceX to launch a satellite researchers hope will help increase understanding of space weather.

Cascade Smallsat and Ionospheric Polar Explorer, or CASSIOPE, launched into space Sunday from the Vandenburg Air Force Base in California aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

"This is a moment of pride for all Canadians," Minister James Moore said in a statement. "With the CASSIOPE mission, the Government reaffirms its commitment to support Canada's space industry while using space technologies to advance knowledge in areas of critical scientific inquiry."

CASSIOPE is equipped with an enhanced polar outflow probe, or ePOP, which consists of eight scientific instruments designed to observe the ionosphere, the region where space meets the upper atmosphere.

Using plasma imagers, radiowave receivers and cameras, among other things, ePOP will collect data regarding the impact of solar storms on radio communication, satellite navigation and other technologies.

The satellite is unique in that it represents a hybrid technology also designed to verify "high-speed communications concepts through the use of advanced space technologies," according to the CSA's website. Using CASSIOPE, scientists aim to carry out a "proof of concept" mission transferring data using a payload called Cascade.

"Like a courier in the sky, Cascade's operational concept is to pick up very large digital data files and deliver them to almost any destination in the world," the site reads.

According to Space.com, CASSIOPE boasts two international payloads, too. This includes a Japanese neural mass spectrometer to examine neural particle behavior compared to surrounding ions and electrons. A US Navy transmitter also for measuring atmospheric electron content was provided as well.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 first made headlines in 2012 when it launched the cargo capsule Dragon into orbit for rendezvous with the International Space Station.

According to the company, "Falcon 9, along with the Dragon spacecraft, was designed from the outset to deliver humans into space and under an agreement with NASA, SpaceX is actively working toward that goal."