# RCM 1

> Canadian Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q110641014](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110641014)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rcm-1

## Summary  
RCM 1 (RADARSAT Constellation Mission 1) is a Canadian Earth observation satellite equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for advanced environmental monitoring. Launched in 2019, it is part of a three-satellite constellation operated by the Canadian Space Agency. The satellite supports applications like maritime surveillance, disaster management, and ecosystem monitoring.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: June 12, 2019, at 14:17 UTC ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Mass**: 1,430 kilograms ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/radarsat-constellation.htm))  
- **Operator**: Canadian Space Agency ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/radarsat-constellation.htm))  
- **Manufacturers**: MDA Space and Bristol Aerospace ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/radarsat-constellation.htm))  
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 (Booster B1051.2) from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/radarsat-constellation.htm))  
- **Design Life**: 7 years ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/radarsat-constellation.htm))  
- **Followed By**: RCM 2 ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/radarsat-constellation.htm))  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the purpose of RCM 1?  
A: RCM 1 is designed for Earth observation using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to monitor environmental changes, maritime activity, and disasters like floods or oil spills.  

### Q: Who operates RCM 1?  
A: The Canadian Space Agency operates RCM 1 as part of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/radarsat-constellation.htm)).  

### Q: How was RCM 1 launched?  
A: It was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East on June 12, 2019 ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367)).  

## Why It Matters  
RCM 1 plays a critical role in global environmental monitoring and disaster response. Its synthetic aperture radar enables all-weather, day-and-night imaging, making it invaluable for tracking ice movements, detecting oil spills, and supporting military surveillance. As part of Canada's RADARSAT Constellation, it enhances data continuity from earlier RADARSAT missions while improving coverage and revisit times. The satellite's contributions to maritime domain awareness and climate research underscore its importance in addressing both national security and environmental challenges.  

## Notable For  
- **Advanced SAR Capabilities**: Provides high-resolution radar imaging regardless of weather or lighting conditions.  
- **Constellation Synergy**: Works alongside RCM 2 and RCM 3 for improved Earth observation coverage.  
- **Canadian Leadership**: Represents Canada's commitment to space-based environmental monitoring and innovation.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- Launched on **June 12, 2019**, aboard a **SpaceX Falcon 9** (Booster B1051.2) from **Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East** ([source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367)).  
- Achieved **Sun-synchronous orbit** for optimal Earth observation coverage ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/radarsat-constellation.htm)).  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass**: 1,430 kg ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/radarsat-constellation.htm)).  
- **Power Source**: Solar array ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/radarsat-constellation.htm)).  
- **Primary Instrument**: Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for high-resolution imaging ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/radarsat-constellation.htm)).  

### Mission and Operations  
- **Operator**: Canadian Space Agency ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/radarsat-constellation.htm)).  
- **Design Life**: 7 years ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/radarsat-constellation.htm)).  
- **Followed By**: RCM 2, completing the RADARSAT Constellation ([source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/radarsat-constellation.htm)).

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/radarsat-constellation.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report