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Radarsat 2

Radarsat 2 [MDA]

Scheduled for launch in 2004, 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.

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 meters. Swath widths may be selected in a range from 20 to 500 kilometers.

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.

Originally scheduled for a Delta-7920-10C launch, Radarsat 2 was rebooked on a Soyuz-FG Fregat rocket early in 2006 for a launch in March 2007. Radarsat 2 was eventually launched in December 2007.

Nation: Canada
Type / Application: Earth observation (Radar)
Operator: CSA
Contractors: MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) (Prime), Alenia Spazio (Bus)
Equipment: C-Band SAR
Configuration: Prima Bus
Propulsion:
Power: 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
Lifetime: 7.25 years (design)
Mass: 2300 kg
Orbit: 783 km × 787 km, 98.6°
Satellite COSPAR Date LS Launch Vehicle Remarks
Radarsat 2 2007-061A 14.12.2007 Ba LC-31/6 Soyuz-FG Fregat
Further Radarsat missions:

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