LONGUEUIL, Que. – The Canadian Space Agency quietly marked a quarter-century of existence last Saturday.

The 25-year anniversary on March 1 was highlighted by a short statement from president Walt Natynczyk on the agency’s website and its Facebook page.

As of Tuesday, the Facebook page had received more than 425 “likes.”

Natynczyk said the agency’s accomplishments — from satellites that monitor the Earth to robots that build the International Space station — have fuelled a flourishing space industry and inspired the nation.

An agency official confirmed in an email that no news releases were issued to the media to underline the anniversary, but that several events will be organized throughout the year to celebrate the milestone.

The Canadian Space Agency was created through an Act of Parliament on March 1, 1989, which was proclaimed in December 1990.

One week ago on Feb. 25, Natynczyk organized what described as Canada’s first annual space conference.

The event featured 100 key players but was not open to the media.