Data collected by RADARSAT-1 is transmitted directly to a Data Reception Facility or can be stored onboard for downloading later. The receiving stations provide:

• complete and reliable real-time coverage around the world
• consistency in format for high-quality products
• timely delivery of the requested data

Each new station is gradually integrated into the system in a certification process developed by the Canadian Space Agency and MDA Geospatial Services (formerly RADARSAT International). This process guarantees a uniform, high level of performance and data quality. 

Many data reception facilities have been added and this has created a broad global network. The RADARSAT-1 network now comprises 33 Data Reception Facilities, including six transportable ones, for real-time coverage of nearly all the landmass on Earth.

With such a comprehensive network of receiving stations around the globe, RADARSAT-1 can deliver near-real-time, reliable monitoring services for applications such as monitoring floods, maritime pollution, and oil spills.

Canadian Data Reception Facilities

The Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) operates two Canadian ground-receiving facilities, in Gatineau, Quebec, and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. CCRS coordinates the acquisition services and is responsible for scheduling and reporting day-to-day operations. Imagery for public use is placed on the Web-accessible CEOCat browser and catalogue service. 

International Data Reception Facilities

The network includes two American facilities: one in Fairbanks, Alaska, and one in MacMurdo, Antarctica. Other facilities have been incorporated to ensure coverage of the Earth's landmass in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Norway, Singapore, China, Australia, Korea, Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia, Puerto Rico, Thailand, Brazil, Argentina, Turkey, Malaysia, Russia, and Kazakhstan.

Six portable ground stations in other parts of the world provide coverage opportunities for applications such as pollution control, oil and gas exploration, surveillance, and emergency response management.

RADARSAT-1 offers global coverage through a ground station network.  Additional coverage is provided by portable stations. (Click to enlarge)