RADARSAT-2 READIED to Support PROPOSED Tandem Mission with RADARSAT-3
Saint-Hubert, Quebec, June 20, 2001 – The Canadian Space Agency announced
today the awarding of two contracts totaling $ 6.7 million to MacDonald,
Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSE: MDA). MDA will, under the first contract
for a total amount of $5.7 million, implement specific modifications to the
RADARSAT-2 spacecraft to support a proposed tandem mission with RADARSAT-3.
The second contract awarded to the Richmond-based company, worth $1 million,
provides for the implementation of the second phase of a Mission Definition
Study including the preparation of a detailed implementation plan for
RADARSAT-3.
The RADARSAT-2 and 3 tandem mission will provide the capability to capture
high-resolution three-dimensional images of the Earth’s surface on an
ongoing basis, and will maintain Canada’s leadership in the application of
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology.
“This innovative project led jointly by the Canadian Space Agency and
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. will strengthen Canada’s leadership
and expertise in the growing field of Earth Observation”, said the
Honourable Brian Tobin, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for
the Canadian Space Agency. “Moreover, this new use of Synthetic Aperture
Radar (SAR) technology offers great potential to expand our reach in new
sectors of activity, thus strengthening Canada’s ability to effectively
compete in global markets”.
“Right now, with these contract awards from the Canadian Space Agency, we
have a unique window of opportunity to implement these improvements to
RADARSAT-2 and prepare the way for a potential future tandem mission with
RADARSAT-3″, said Daniel Friedmann, President and CEO of MDA. The tandem
mission would provide us with an important data source and allow us to
produce for the first time, complete 3-D elevation mapping of the entire
planet”.
The launch of RADARSAT-2 is now expected for late 2003.
About MDA
MacDonald Dettwiler is an information company that provides essential
information from anywhere in the world, for decision making in the
workplace. The Company operates its business through two principal groups:
The Information Products Group delivers essential land information products
and services that encompass legal, asset and geographical information; the
Information Systems Group provides mission-critical information systems for
monitoring activities on the planet, managing mobile assets and enabling
mobile workforces. The Company employs 1,800 people through an international
network of offices, subsidiaries and distributors.
About the Canadian Space Agency
Established in 1989 with its headquarters situated in Saint-Hubert, Quebec,
the Canadian Space Agency coordinates all aspects of the Canadian Space
Program. Trough its Space knowledge, Applications and Industry Development
business line, the CSA delivers services involving: earth and the
Environment: Space Science; Human presence in Space; Satellite
Communications; Generic Space Technologies; Space Qualification Services and
Awareness. The Canadian Space Agency is at the forefront of the development
and application of space knowledge for the benefit of Canadians and
humanity.
Photo illustration:
http://www.mda.ca/images/rsat_tandem.jpg
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For information
Ted Schellenberg
MacDonald Dettwiler
Tel (604) 231-2215
Teds@mda.ca
www.mda.ca
André Leclair
Senior Media Relations
Canadian Space Agency
Tel: (450) 926-4370
andre.leclair@space.gc.ca
www.espace.gc.ca
