RADARSAT International (RSI) of Richmond, British Colombia,
and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) of Saint-Hubert, Quebec, announced today
that the RADARSAT-1 satellite is now being maintained in a +/- 2 km orbit
constraint. This new orbit maintenance reduces the nominal +/-5 km orbit
constraint and allows clients to use RADARSAT-1 data for interferometric
applications. RADARSAT-1 is currently the only sensor available that can
collect accurate interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (INSAR) data.
INSAR applications include mapping and monitoring changes in elevation or
movement on the Earth’s land or ice surface (as subtle as centimetres or
less), as well as the creation of highly-detailed and accurate Digital
Elevation Models. INSAR can be used to monitor changes in man-made
structures, land subsidence and tectonic movement.
A large sample INSAR data set was collected in late fall 2000 during the
CSA’s Canadian Interferometry Mission (CIM). High-resolution RADARSAT-1 data
pairs were collected over Canada’s entire landmass, as well as several other
regions, including Greenland and Iceland. Successful results from this
mission reinforced the potential for using RADARSAT-1 for INSAR.
“The CSA’s flexibility in agreeing to maintain the orbit to these tighter
tolerances allows RSI to meet the needs of previously unattainable markets.
Supplying the INSAR market is part of our long-term strategic plan involving
RADARSAT-2. We are excited to be able to offer our clients this new level of
detailed information,” says Bill Jefferies, RSI’s Director of Operations.
Originally designed to be operational for 5 years, this powerful Earth
observation satellite continues to showcase its robustness. “In a
tightly-controlled orbit, RADARSAT-1 further demonstrates its capability to
support an expanded and diversified global customer base,” says Dan
Showalter, CSA’s System Operation Manager.
About RADARSAT-1
Developed and operated by the Canadian Space Agency, RADARSAT-1 is Canada’s
first Earth observation satellite. RADARSAT-1 is providing clients worldwide
with timely and critical data to assist in disaster relief and emergency
rescue efforts. RADARSAT-1 also provides information required by commercial
and scientific users in the fields of agriculture, cartography, hydrology,
forestry, oceanography, ice studies and coastal monitoring. RADARSAT-2,
currentlyunder construction by MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates, is
scheduled for launch in 2003. RSI has obtained the RADARSAT-2 exclusive
distribution rights for non-US markets, and ORBIMAGE continues as US
distributor.
About the Canadian Space Agency (CSA): www.space.gc.ca
Established in 1989 with its headquarters situated in Saint-Hubert, Quebec,
the Canadian Space Agency coordinates all aspects of the Canadian Space
Program. Through 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.
About RADARSAT International (RSI): www.rsi.ca
RSI, a wholly owned subsidiary of MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates
(TSE-MDA, www.mda.ca), is a worldwide provider of products and information
solutions derived from Earth-observation (EO) satellite data.
– 30 –
CONTACT:
Cory Rossignol or Kate Stephens
Communications Department
RADARSAT International
1-(604) 231-5000
crossignol@rsi.ca
kstephens@rsi.ca
André Leclair
Senior Communication Officer
Canadian Space Agency
1-450-926-4370
andre.leclair@space.gc.ca
