scientific popularization
Context
What’s the link between a satellite orbiting at 600 km and hundreds of georeferenced beehives in a field?
The answer: precision beekeeping. Canadian farmers can now rely on cutting-edge satellite technologies to support sustainable agriculture.
On June 12, 2019, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) launched the three satellites of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission, in collaboration with aerospace leader SpaceX. A Falcon 9 rocket carried the three identical satellites into orbit, forming what is now the new generation of Canadian Earth-observation satellites.
The issue of food sovereignty in Canada is crucial, and beekeeping is a key part of that equation. Its role: ensuring optimal pollination by bees, which is essential for abundant, diverse, and high-quality harvests.
The Canadian beekeeping industry, in agreement with the Canadian Honey Council (CHC), recognizes that the future of the agri-food sector depends on the harmonization of practices and quality standards across Canada.
The company and its educational mission
The company has an educational component dedicated to the popularization of scientific beekeeping.
A first publication appeared in the journal Géomatique, volume 41, issue 3 (Fall 2014), covering the precision beekeeping project.
In 2016, its founder, Simon Lamarre-Sauriol, participated in the EURÊKA! festival (Montreal Science Centre), with the authorization of the then-director, the Honourable Julie Payette.
The theme presented: BEES: IT’S MAGNETIC!
This playful presentation explored the interaction between space weather, the Earth’s electromagnetic field, and bee activity. The composite beehive prototype was also displayed.
During its ten years as a tenant at INRS, the company established a bee ecomuseum.
Since settling on the INRS campus, methodical and sustained work has been carried out over the seasons to create a safe forest trail through the Armand-Frappier Forest, allowing visitors to discover the site’s archaeological heritage.
In development: the apicultural space module
A construction site is currently underway on the grounds of the City of Laval, at the Parc en Innovation Agricole de Laval (PIAL), for the creation of an apicultural space module.
This educational facility will include several interactive elements:
• Scientific literature from CRAAQ,
• Computers and tablets,
• Pyrotechnic components,
• Experimental LED lighting with a patented spectral recipe,
• And large-format projectors.
To date, the site is dedicated to beeswax processing, with the goal of separating plastic frames from old wax and sending the plastic to a recycling center. The wax, in turn, will be valorized for bioenergy.
Educational engagement and partnerships
For several years, Unité d’Intervention Hexagone has been providing honey, beeswax, and specially preserved bees for educational and observational purposes, notably at the Armand-Frappier Museum, using scientific microscopes aimed at young audiences.
U.I. Hexagone also maintains connections with the Cosmodome as part of its holistic approach to apicultural science.
The company aims to showcase its flagship educational project: the Canadian apicultural space program.
This project involves creating a special mission to develop and send a mini-beehive the size of a CubeSat, made from composite materials, equipped with specialized sensors, and designed to attach to the greenhouse aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The goal: to develop an optimal pollination technique in microgravity (zero G), also applicable to the future permanent lunar base.
Vision and inspiration
As demonstrated by the ideation document produced by Creaform, the company promotes a vision of beekeeping inspired by aerospace standards.
In this context, it aims to develop a zero-gravity (Zero G) indicator shaped like a bee, which could be used by astronauts during their space missions.
The goal would be to bring a hive aboard the ISS to conduct unprecedented scientific experiments.
More specifically, the company aspires to create a miniature robotic avatar, an artificial bee that would capture the public’s imagination, promote awareness of scientific education, and encourage young people to take an interest in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
