Saint-Hubert, December 30, 2002 – The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) announced
today that its engineers have successfully developed procedures, bypassing a
defective pitch momentum wheel, to restore precision pointing to Canada’s
premier commercial Earth Observation satellite.
The RADARSAT-1 satellite was taken off line on November 27 because a
deteriorating Attitude Control System was affecting the satellite’s ability
to deliver precise imaging.
Engineers of the CSA’s Satellite Operations Directorate developed new
pointing procedures that eliminates the pitch momentum wheel, relying
instead, on roll and yaw wheels and torque rods to accurately point the
spacecraft.
“We are proud to have extended the life of Canada’s renowned RADARSAT-1
spacecraft, developing a unique set of procedures that will allow the
satellite to maintain nominal pointing without relying on the pitch momentum
wheel,” said Surendra Parashar, Director of Satellite Operations. “The
dedicated work of our engineering specialists has restored RADARSAT-1’s
imaging capability, allowing it to continue to carry out its important
mission, providing images, day or night in all weather conditions to global
clients located in more than 60 countries”.
CSA engineers confirm that RADASAT-1 images produced since deployment of the
new procedure are comparable to the precise images professionals working in
the fields of agriculture, cartography, hydrology, forestry, oceanography,
ice reconnaissance, coastal surveillance, geology, environmental monitoring,
and disaster relief efforts have come to expect.
About the CSA
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; Space Technology; Space Qualification Services; Space
Awareness and Education. The Canadian Space Agency is at the forefront of
the development and application of space knowledge for the benefit of
Canadians and humanity.
For more information, please contact:
Monique Billette
Senior Media Relations Officer
Canadian Space Agency
Tel.: 450-926-4370
E-mail: monique.billette@space.gc.ca
