Canada's Newest Eye in the Sky

By Katrina Jurva

The Canadian view from space is getting much better. The launch of the RADARSAT–2 satellite, currently planned for December 2007, will begin a new era in space for Canada.

RADARSAT–2 is a big upgrade over its predecessor RADARSAT–1. “The new satellite has numerous improvements over the former model and will orbit the earth at about 800 km to capture radar images of the Earth,” says Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) research scientist Joost van der Sanden.

Both satellites work by transmitting microwaves to Earth and measuring the signals that reflect back. While RADARSAT–1 captures only one single image using one type of microwave, RADARSAT–2 has the capability to acquire two or more images simultaneously over the same area.

The new satellite will also offer improved viewing capabilities. “The antenna of RADARSAT–1 was right-looking,” says Joost, explaining that this limited the imaging options. “RADARSAT–2 has the capability to steer its antenna to either the right or left, providing more opportunity to image a specific area.”

In addition, RADARSAT–2 will be able to acquire radar images with spatial resolutions as high as three metres by three metres, compared to eight metres by eight metres for RADARSAT–1.

The various technical enhancements of RADARSAT–2 will improve the information content of its images to the benefit of a variety of applications involving cartography, disaster management, forestry, agriculture, geology, hydrology and monitoring oceans and ice.

NRCan has been involved in RADARSAT–2 from the beginning. In addition to developing applications for the satellite, NRCan has a role in technology transfer to other government departments and in the reception and archiving of RADARSAT–2 images acquired over Canada.

RADARSAT–1 was launched in 1995 and continues to operate today — five years past its expected lifespan. If the success of its predecessor is any indication, RADARSAT–2 will be supporting Canadians for many years to come.