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 |
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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 | |
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Radarsat 2 | 2007-061A | 14.12.2007 | Ba LC-31/6 | Soyuz-FG Fregat |