The investment will be spread across the next 15 years to ensure continuity of essential EO satellite data to numerous federal organisations.
The Canadian Space Agency announced an investment of $739m (CAD1.012 billion) over the next 15 years for RADARSAT+, an initiative aimed at ensuring continuous, efficient, and sustainable access to critical and high-quality Earth observation (EO) data for Canada.
The RADARSAT+ portfolio includes a project to design, build and launch a replacement satellite for the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM), and a project to initiate the definition of a fourth-generation national sovereign satellite system that will succeed the RCM, among others. Three satellite missions have already been launched as part of the RADARSAT program: RADARSAT-1, RADARSAT-2 and the RCM.
Building on Canada’s past expertise in radar satellite technology and applications, the Government of Canada is committed to leveraging space-based technologies to tackle pressing challenges and spur innovation. Canadian satellite EO data supports over 40 services from several federal departments and private enterprises, and provides tangible benefits to Canadians in their daily lives. Satellite data is key to making science-based decisions on numerous fronts, from climate change adaptation to building resilience in vulnerable areas such as Canada’s North.
Steven Guilbeault, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, added: “High-quality satellite data is crucial to Canada meeting its environmental goals. This Earth observation technology provides invaluable information about Canada’s climate, helping to direct our climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. RADARSAT+ will help Environment and Climate Change Canada continue our tracking of sea ice patterns and monitoring of critical ecosystem health across our vast country.”
