| Mission type | Earth observation satellites |
|---|---|
| Operator | Canadian Space Agency |
| Website | asc-csa |
| Mission duration | 7 years (each satellite)[1] |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Bus | Canadian SmallSat Bus[1] |
| Manufacturer | MDA |
| Launch mass | 4,200 kg (total mass of the 3 satellites)[1] |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 12 June 2019[2] |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 Block 5 B1051.2 |
| Contractor | SpaceX |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Sun-synchronous orbit |
| Altitude | 600 km |
| Inclination | 97.74° [1] |
| Period | 96.4 min |
| Transponders | |
| Band | C band |
| Frequency | 5.405 GHz |
| Bandwidth | 100 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]