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Millions in development planned for Inuvik satellite station

Natural Resources Canada is seeking bids on $17 million worth of work related to three government-owned satellite stations, including the one in Inuvik.

Natural Resources Canada seeks work bids for three satellite stations, including Inuvik's

An antennae at the Inuvik satellite station. (PrioraNet Canada)

The federal government wants Inuvik`s satellite station to get bigger. 

Natural Resources Canada is seeking bids on $17 million worth of work related to three government-owned satellite stations, with one half of the tender calling for development of the Inuvik station "to its full potential as an international, multi-use, science and technology facility with an emphasis on earth observation."

The department put out the request on March 31, with bids due by May 12. 

The government established the station in 2010 in partnership with the German Aerospace Centre, the Swedish Space Corporation and PrioraNet Canada, an Alberta-based company specializing in satellite imagery.

According to a recent report on Inuvik`s economic prospects, "growth in the network of satellite receiver stations in Inuvik is expected to increase to six by 2020 (with potential to double that number beyond 2020)."