RADARSAT Constellation
The RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) is a 2018 space launch mission by the Government of Canada that will consist of a three-spacecraft fleet of Earth observation satellites. With satellites smaller than RADARSAT-2,[1] 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.[2] Improvements include more frequent area coverage of Canada and reduced risk of a service interruption.[3] The launch of the three satellites that will form the constellation is scheduled for 2018.[4]
On July 30, 2013, SpaceX announced that it was awarded a launch reservation contract with MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. to launch the three satellites that make up the RCM on a Falcon 9 rocket in 2018.[5]
Government and commercial applications broadly include:
- national security
- resource management (e.g., disaster management and ecosystem monitoring)
- sustainable development
- transportation
Specific examples:[6]
- maritime surveillance (e.g., ship detection)
- monitoring/tracking ice
- detecting oil spills
- monitoring floods, landslides, eruptions
- aiding forest firefighting
The prime contractor on the project is MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates.
See also
References
- ↑ "MDA Starts Work on Next Generation Satellite Constellation". Retrieved 2006-09-03.
- ↑ "MDA Space Missions - What We Do - Satellite Missions - RADARDAT Constellation Mission". Retrieved 2006-09-03.
- ↑ "Canada To Build, Launch Three More Satellites". Retrieved 2006-09-03.
- ↑ "Canadian Space Agency - RADARSAT Constellation". Retrieved 2013-08-02.
- ↑ "SpaceX Awarded Launch Reservation Contract for Largest Canadian Space Program". Retrieved 30 July 2013.
- ↑ "COM DEV to Participate in Canada's New RADARSAT Constellation Mission". Retrieved 2006-09-03.
External links
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