Science and Operational Applications Research for RADARSAT-2

With the launch of the RADARSAT-2 satellite, satellite Earth Observation entered a new era bringing to prominence the advantages of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors and offering new opportunities for the public sector, industry and academia (van der Sanden, 2004). RADARSAT-2, operating in C-band, is equipped with a full range of new capabilities: high-resolution modes (meter resolution), fully polarimetric capabilities (quad polarization) and dual polarization for RADARSAT-1 heritage beam modes. The purpose of this paper is to give a review of the Research & Development activities and thematic projects supported by the Science and Operational Applications Research Program (SOAR). The information presented is drawn from reports and presentations received by the Canadian Space Agency from the SOAR Principal Investigators.