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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.
