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RADARSAT: A new source of data for resource management 
E .J. LANGIIAM 
Canadian Space Agency 
Introduction 
RADARSAT, the first Canadian earth observation satellite, will be launched 
in 1994. It will carry one sensor, a synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and it is 
designed to provide data for operational applications over a mission lifetime 
of five years. The satellite, shown diagrammatically in figure 1, will weigh 
about three metric tonnes and its solar panels will generate 3.4 Kw of power. 
The SAR antenna measures 15m by 1.5m. The launch will be provided by 
NASA in exchange for radar data to support its experimental programs and 
NOAA will also have use of the data for pilot operational demonstrations. 
A major mission objective is to make RADARSAT data available globally to 
support the management of natural resources and to monitor changes in the 
environment. 
Figure 1 
BUS MODULE 
SOLAR ARRAY 
SAR PAYLOAD MODULE 
SAR ANTENNA 
This paper describes the capabilities of the satellite, some examples of the 
uses of the data and the arrangements which are being put in place to allow 
users around the world to request data acquisition to meet their needs.