# RADARSAT-2

> Canadian Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q936739](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q936739)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radarsat-2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/radarsat-2

## Summary
RADARSAT-2 is a Canadian Earth observation satellite launched in 2007 that uses synthetic aperture radar to capture high-resolution images of Earth's surface. It was built by MDA Space and Alenia Spazio, launched aboard a Soyuz-FG rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome, and operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit. The satellite has a mass of 2,300 kg and was designed for a service life of 7.25 years.

## Key Facts
- Launched on December 14, 2007 at 13:17:34 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- Mass: 2,300 kg (5,070 lbs)
- Cost: 528.8 million Canadian dollars (2007)
- Operated by MDA Space
- Uses synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for Earth observation
- Follows RADARSAT-1 and was followed by RADARSAT Constellation
- Has a service life design of 7.25 years
- Carries a synthetic aperture radar scientific instrument
- Powered by two solar arrays
- Uses PRIMA spacecraft bus

### Q: What is RADARSAT-2's primary function?
A: RADARSAT-2 is a synthetic aperture radar satellite that captures high-resolution images of Earth's surface for Earth observation purposes.

### Q: When and how was RADARSAT-2 launched?
A: RADARSAT-2 was launched on December 14, 2007 at 13:17:34 UTC aboard a Soyuz-FG rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.

### Q: Who operates and owns RADARSAT-2?
A: RADARSAT-2 is operated and owned by MDA Space, a Canadian company specializing in space technology.

## Why It Matters
RADARSAT-2 represents a significant advancement in Canadian Earth observation capabilities, providing all-weather, day-and-night imaging that can penetrate clouds and darkness. This synthetic aperture radar satellite enables critical applications including environmental monitoring, disaster response, maritime surveillance, and resource management. Its high-resolution imaging capabilities support government agencies, researchers, and commercial users in making informed decisions about land use, climate change, and natural resource development. The satellite's ability to capture detailed imagery regardless of weather conditions makes it particularly valuable for Arctic monitoring, where traditional optical satellites would be limited by polar darkness and cloud cover for much of the year. RADARSAT-2 continues Canada's legacy of space-based Earth observation, building upon the success of RADARSAT-1 while providing enhanced capabilities that support both national interests and international scientific collaboration.

## Notable For
- Advanced synthetic aperture radar technology providing all-weather imaging capabilities
- Canadian flagship Earth observation satellite with 2,300 kg mass
- Successor to RADARSAT-1 with significantly improved resolution and capabilities
- Cost of 528.8 million Canadian dollars representing major national investment in space technology
- Operates in Sun-synchronous orbit for consistent Earth coverage

## Body
### Technical Specifications
RADARSAT-2 features a synthetic aperture radar payload that operates in multiple imaging modes, providing resolution ranging from 1 to 100 meters depending on the selected mode. The satellite's PRIMA (PRIMA stands for "PRIMA is a Multi-mission Italian platform") spacecraft bus was manufactured by Alenia Spazio, while MDA Space served as the general contractor responsible for overall system integration and the SAR payload.

### Mission Capabilities
The satellite's synthetic aperture radar can image Earth's surface through clouds, smoke, and darkness, making it invaluable for continuous monitoring applications. Its imaging capabilities support various applications including sea ice monitoring, agricultural mapping, geological exploration, and disaster response. The satellite can be tasked to acquire images of specific areas on demand, providing timely data for operational users.

### Operational History
Since its launch in December 2007, RADARSAT-2 has exceeded its design life of 7.25 years, continuing to provide valuable Earth observation data well beyond its initial service life. The satellite operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 800 km, allowing it to pass over the same location at roughly the same local solar time each day, which is important for consistent lighting conditions in multi-temporal studies.

### International Context
RADARSAT-2 represents Canada's continued commitment to space-based Earth observation, following the successful RADARSAT-1 mission. The satellite's data is used both domestically and internationally, supporting scientific research, commercial applications, and government operations. Its capabilities complement other international Earth observation systems, contributing to global efforts in environmental monitoring and resource management.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/radarsat-2.htm)
2. [Source](https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/7102cdcd-0298-42ab-b0cc-518054b4bb0f)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013