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RADARSAT-2 Investment in the Future
To maintain Canada's world leadership in satellite SAR technology and contribution
to global resource management and environmental monitoring programs, the Canadian
Space Agency is collaborating with the private sector to develop an industry-led,
follow-on radar satellite program.
Building on the accomplishments of the first RADARSAT, the Government of Canada and
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates
Limited (MDA) will invest $400 million and $90 million respectively for the
construction of
RADARSAT-2 (http://www.mda.ca/radarsat-2/). Space
technology organizations across Canada will benefit from this partnership through
the awarding of subcontracts by MDA. The four-year construction phase is expected to
generate approximately 300 jobs. The arrangement with MDA marks the first step in
the transition of spaceborne Earth observation from government to private sector.
To be launched in 2006, RADARSAT-2 will be lighter, cheaper, more capable, and will
asure data continuity well into the new millenium. Its enchanced capabilities include
additional beam modes, higher resolution, multi-polarization, more frequent revisits,
and an increased downlink margin enabling reception of data from lower-cost receiving
antenna systems. With a planned operation phase of seven years, RADARSAT-2 will
maintain Canada's position as a leader in the internationally competitive Earth
observation market.
Using space to respond successfully to the challenge of a changing planet is the
essence of the draft Long Term Space Plan (LTSP) III - Sustainable Earth Program
(1999/2000 - 2008/2009). Comprising three inter-related subprograms (Environment,
Resource Management, and Disaster Management and Surveillance), the Sustainable
Earth Program aims to better understand, protect and manage Canada's resources and
the environment. Working with domestic and international partners, LTSP III will
continue to provide the leadership that has contributed to the excellent reputation
and solid track record Canada has established with the RADARSAT program.
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