Saint-Hubert, December 18, 2002 – The Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
temporarily discontinued RADARSAT-1 imaging operations on November 27 due to
a deteriorating Attitude Control System that affects the satellite’s ability
to deliver precise imaging to global clients. The CSA expects to resume
routine satellite imaging operations in the last week of December.
RADARSAT-1 uses a pitch momentum wheel to maintain gyroscopic stiffness,
ensuring the three-axis attitude control required for precise pointing of
the spacecraft. In September 1999 the primary pitch momentum wheel started
suffering from excessive friction and temperature, and as a result, control
was shifted to a back-up wheel. This back-up pitch momentum wheel recently
developed similar problems and was taken off-line on November 27, leaving
the satellite in a safe and controlled tumble.
“The CSA’s Satellite Operations Directorate is aggressively pursuing the
development and implementation of new procedures that will allow the
satellite to maintain nominal pointing without extended reliance on the
pitch momentum wheels,” said Surendra Parashar, Director of Satellite
Operations at the CSA. “We are confident to re-establish pointing control
and resume Earth observation operations by the end of December.”
In the meantime, the Canadian Space Agency and RADARSAT International (RSI),
RADARSAT-1’s commercial data distributor, are keeping the satellite’s users
well informed and are working together to ensure minimum impact on their
operations.
During the interruption, the CSA is working with the European Space Agency,
which has been very supportive by providing Synthetic Aperture Radar data
via the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing to CSA’s key clients such as RSI
and the Canadian Ice Services.
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
