RADARSAT Constellation

RADARSAT Constellation
Mission typeEarth observation satellites
OperatorCanadian Space Agency
Websiteasc-csa.gc.ca/eng/satellites/radarsat/default.asp
Mission duration7 years (each satellite)[1]
Spacecraft properties
BusCanadian SmallSat Bus[1]
ManufacturerMDA
Launch mass4,200 kg (total mass of the 3 satellites)[1]
Start of mission
Launch date12 June 2019[2]
RocketFalcon 9 Block 5 B1051.2
ContractorSpaceX
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeSun-synchronous orbit
Altitude600 km
Inclination97.74° [1]
Period96.4 min
Transponders
BandC band
Frequency5.405 GHz
Bandwidth100 MHz

The RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) is a three-spacecraft fleet of Earth observation satellites operated by the Canadian Space Agency. The RCM's goal is to provide data for climate research and commercial applications including oil exploration, fishing, shipping, etc.[3] With satellites smaller than RADARSAT-2,[4] the RCM will provide new applications—made possible through the constellation approach—as well as continuing to provide C-band radar data to RADARSAT-2 users.[5] One of its most significant improvements is in its operational use of synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) data.[6] The primary goal of RCM is to provide continuous C-band SAR data to RADARSAT-2 users, as SAR imagery at a high temporal resolution is required by several users in the Canadian government.[6] Other improvements include more frequent area coverage of Canada and reduced risk of a service interruption.[7] The RCM will provide the world's most advanced, comprehensive method of maintaining Arctic sovereignty, conducting coastal surveillance, and ensuring maritime security.[8]

The three satellites were launched on 12 June 2019 at 14:17 UTC on board a Falcon 9 rocket.[2][9] Originally booster B1050 was planned to be used for this mission. However, after the failed landing of B1050, B1051 was used in this mission.[10]

  1. ^ a b c d Satellite characteristics. RADARSAT Mission. Canadian Space Agency.
  2. ^ a b Agency, Canadian Space (2019-06-12). "Canada's next-generation RADARSAT satellite constellation successfully launches to space". gcnws. Retrieved 2019-06-13.
  3. ^ "Radar Satellite (RADARSAT)".
  4. ^ "MDA Starts Work on Next Generation Satellite Constellation". Retrieved 2006-09-03.
  5. ^ "MDA Space Missions - What We Do - Satellite Missions - RADARSAT Constellation Mission". Archived from the original on 2007-02-22. Retrieved 2006-09-03.
  6. ^ a b "RADARSAT Constellation - eoPortal Directory - Satellite Missions". directory.eoportal.org. Retrieved 2019-03-11.
  7. ^ "Canada To Build, Launch Three More Satellites". Retrieved 2006-09-03.
  8. ^ Pugliese, David. "Radarsat Constellation to track ships, provide surveillance over Arctic and other regions - satellites successfully launched". Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  9. ^ "SpaceX Awarded Launch Reservation Contract for Largest Canadian Space Program". Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  10. ^ Ralph, Eric (2019-04-26). "SpaceX ships Falcon 9 booster west for second California launch of 2019". TESLARATI. Retrieved 2019-06-03.