About RADARSAT-2
Launch:
Status: Active
RADARSAT-2 is one of the world's most advanced commercially available Earth observation satellites that offers users around the world an extensive range of high-quality data products for hundreds of applications.
Technical characteristics
- Mass: 2,300 kg
- Distance travelled: 4.2 billion km in 18 years (-)
Mission overview
The RADARSAT-2 satellite offers powerful and advanced imaging options that enhance marine surveillance, ice monitoring, disaster management, environmental monitoring, resource management and mapping in Canada and around the world. Authorized users in agriculture, cartography, hydrology, forestry, oceanography, and ice studies greatly benefit from RADARSAT-2's readily accessible radar data for scientific, operational or emergency purposes.
RADARSAT-2 is the product of a unique collaboration between government and industry. MDA Space, the company that built this mission, owns and operates the satellite and ground segment. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) contributed to the funding of the construction and launch of the satellite and recovered this investment through a credit of RADARSAT-2 data for the Government of Canada.
As the successor of the RADARSAT-1 mission, RADARSAT-2 demonstrates the Canadian space community's leadership in developing new remote sensing technology and applications.
Text version - RADARSAT-2: Canada's eye in the sky
This infographic presents a few interesting facts about the satellite to celebrate its anniversary. (Credit: CSA)
Objective
The primary mission objective is the distribution of data and products to meet the needs of present and future markets. This is achieved by leveraging the knowledge and experience gained through the long and successful RADARSAT-1 mission while taking advantage of new technologies that were not available prior to RADARSAT-2 launch. From its original design and construction to its current configuration, RADARSAT-2 has incorporated new capabilities that have secured Canada's continued leadership in the global marketplace for radar satellite data.
RADARSAT imagery also provides valuable information for major application areas in coastal and marine surveillance. For example, the imagery is used to monitor ship traffic in Canadian waters which helps detect unauthorized vessels, support search and rescue operations, and strengthen Canada's maritime sovereignty.
Driving innovation and collaboration
The CSA supports the growth of Canada's Earth observation community by advancing remote sensing technologies and applications. RADARSAT-2 data:
- provides scientists with information to study agriculture, forestry, oceans, and climate
- supports Canadian companies in developing new satellite-based services
- connects government, academia, and industry to address real-world challenges
- strengthens security and surveillance of Canada's vast territory
- creates opportunities for Canadian businesses to compete internationally
