Evolution of Canadian Earth observation from RADARSAT-1 to RADARSAT-2

Earth observation is identified as a major component of the Canadian Space Program. Canada introduced itself into space Earth observation market with the launch of RADARSAT-1 operations five years ago. Since then RADARSAT-1 has been providing data for operational needs and commercial services worldwide. The Canadian government through the Canadian Space Agency is committed to synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data continuity and technology improvement for better data services. The government also encourages an increased role of the private sector in space Earth observation, comparable to space telecommunications. RADARSAT-2 is the product of this new government approach. RADARSAT-2 will maintain all the existing RADARSAT-1 SAR imaging capabilities and will in addition provide multi-polarization polarimetry, very high resolution, and left- and right-looking modes to make it the remote sensing data source of choice