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.
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