RADARSAT-1, Canada’s “eye-in-the-sky,” today
completes its ninth year of operation-well beyond its five-year nominal
lifetime. Over the years, it has delivered precision images and garnered 15%
of the world’s Earth observation market for Canada. Canadian Space Agency
satellite operations engineers continue to innovate and extend the life of
the world first commercial microwave radar satellite.

“A clear example of Canadian space innovation, ingenuity, and expertise,
RADARSAT-1 has greatly surpassed its life expectancy and continues to
deliver images with pinpoint accuracy to clients in Canada and around the
world,” said Marc Garneau, President of the Canadian Space Agency.

With its versatile radar, RADARSAT-1 captures images day and night and in
all weather conditions. As Canada’s sentinel, it is an integral part of
coastal surveillance and maritime pollution patrol, supporting the Canadian
Coast Guard and Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the protection of our
navigable waters.

The Canadian Space Agency’s RADARSAT-1 also plays a key role in the
International Charter on Space and Major Disasters which includes the
European Space Agency, the French space agency, NOAA (U.S.A.), and the
Indian Space Research Organization. Established through the framework of the
UNISPACE III Conference of the United Nations in 1999, and inaugurated in
October 2000, the International Charter is the expression of a collective
resolve to put space technology at the service of relief authorities in the
event of a major disaster.

Designed initially for frequent repeated surveillance of the entire Arctic
region, the RADARSAT-1 mission provides detailed information in the fields
of agriculture, cartography, hydrology, forestry, oceanography, ice studies,
and coastal monitoring. With the collaboration of RADARSAT International,
this mission supports over 600 clients and partners in 60 countries, through
a network of 28 certified ground stations throughout the world.

RADARSAT-2 and the future

Canada’s next generation Earth-observation satellite is the product of a
public-private sector partnership. The Canadian Space Agency and MacDonald,
Dettwiler and Associates are working together on the construction of
RADARSAT-2, which is scheduled for launch in 2005. It will strengthen
Canada’s leadership role in the design, deployment, and operation of radar
technology, and serve to strengthen the Earth observation business in
Canada.

RADARSAT-2 will support the growing demands of Government of Canada partners
and international clients for more advanced instruments and discrete
information that actively supports environmental monitoring and the
protection of natural resources.

About the Canadian Space Agency

Established in 1989, and with its headquarters situated in Longueuil,
Quebec, the Canadian Space Agency is responsible for coordinating all civil,
space-related policies and programs related to science and technology
research, industrial development, and international cooperation on behalf of
the Government of Canada. The Canadian Space Agency directs its resources
and activities through four key thrusts: Earth Observation, Space Science
and Exploration, Satellite Communications, and Space Awareness and Learning.
With the overall responsibility for advancing Canada’s space policy and
programs, the Canadian Space Agency leverages international cooperation to
champion world-class scientific research and industrial development for the
benefit of humanity.

For more information on RADARSAT and the Canadian Space Agency, please visit http://www.space.gc.ca/

Please contact

Carole Duval
Media Relations
Canadian Space Agency
Phone: (450) 926-4370
carole.duval@space.gc.ca