Overview of RADARSAT-2 Program

It was with the launch of RADARSAT-1 in 1995 that the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) first entered the internationally competitive business of Earth observation.

Scheduled for launch in 2006, RADARSAT-2 will be the most advanced commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite in the world. Providing data continuity to RADARSAT-1 users, it will strengthen Canada's leadership role in the design, deployment and operation of SAR technology and serves as a milestone in the continuing trend to privatize the Earth Observation business in Canada.

Building on Success - RADARSAT-2
Representing a significant evolution from RADARSAT-1, the design of RADARSAT-2 will be the first commercial SAR satellite to offer multi-polarization - an important tool increasingly used to identify a wide variety of surface features and targets.

The satellite will carry a C-band remote sensing radar with a ground resolution ranging from a mere 3 to 100 metres. Swath widths may be selected in a range from 20 to 500 kilometres.

RADARSAT-1 compatible beam modes are also available ensuring data continuity for existing users. Other key features of RADARSAT-2 include the ability to select all beam modes in both left and right looking modes, high downlink power, secure data and telemetry, solid-state recorders, on-board GPS receiver and the use of a high-precision attitude control system.

Earth Observations a Key Priority
With its state-of-the-art SAR technology, RADARSAT-2 will provide data continuity to RADARSAT-1 users over a planned lifetime of seven years. Moreover, it will contribute valuable new information on the Earth's resources and the environment, especially in the fields of mapping and surveillance, which are estimated to comprise 60 percent of the total remote sensing market.

Fostering EO Leadership
The Canadian Space Agency is committed to ensuring that the Earth observation business in Canada develops into a world-leading, profitable and sustainable business. In the transition from a government-led activity (RADARSAT-1) to an industry-run business, RADARSAT-2 is a major milestone. While the costs for RADARSAT-2 will be shared with the private sector, federal government investment, related to the follow-on RADARSAT missions, will continue to decrease until the program is completely privatized.

Benefits to Canadians
The RADARSAT-2 project will stimulate manufacturing and competitiveness in the Canadian aerospace industry. Responding to the specific needs of clients, RADARSAT-2 will contribute to strengthening the development of a Canadian infrastructure and services industry.

Industrial benefits in the space and Earth observation sector resulting from this next-generation satellite are estimated at $2 billion. The RADARSAT-2 program is also expected to generate nearly 3,500 person-years of employment, $1.2 billion in export sales, and spur the growth of small- and medium-sized businesses as the Canadian infrastructure and services industry continues to grow.

Major Project Partners
As an integral step in creating a self-sustaining domestic commercial satellite remote sensing business, the Government of Canada has entered into a Master Agreement with MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) of Richmond, British Columbia to construct, manage and operate RADARSAT-2. MDA will, in turn, enter into agreements with subcontractors to build major subsystems such as with EMS Technologies for the SAR antenna and Alenia Aerospazio of Italy who will be constructing the RADARSAT-2 bus.

MDA is also committed to fostering and supporting the value-added infrastructure and services industry. RADARSAT International (RSI), a wholly-owned MDA subsidiary, which currently processes, markets and distributes data from RADARSAT-1 will also market and distribute data received from RADARSAT-2.

The Canadian Space Agency will manage all aspects of the Master Agreement with MDA for the delivery and deployment of RADARSAT-2. The Agency will also provide engineering support during the transition from RADARSAT-1 to RADARSAT-2.

The Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) of Natural Resources Canada will capture data and maintain archiving systems for RADARSAT-2 imaging at their downlink facilities located in Gatineau, Quebec and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.