RADARSAT-2 continuing system operations and performance

This paper provides a status report for RADARSAT-2 system operations and performance now that two years of Routine Phase operations have been completed. Experience from the second year of operations is reviewed. System status, performance, and trends are described along with performance and achievements of the RADARSAT-2 operations functional groups. Normal operations now includes increased attention to orbital collision risk avoidance, and the RADARSAT-2 risk mitigation experience is summarized. In addition to meeting and maintaining specified performance requirements for the Routine Phase, the operations team has implemented a number of improvements to both the system and operations to provide enhanced performance. These include reduced tasking latency, enhanced beam modes, and further improved image quality. The improvements are described as part of the evolution of the mission capabilities along with some further planned enhancements.