# RCM 2

> Canadian Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q110641040](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110641040)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rcm-2

## Summary
RCM 2 is a Canadian Earth observation satellite and part of the RADARSAT Constellation, launched in 2019. It is a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite designed for monitoring Earth's surface, supporting applications like maritime surveillance, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 12, 2019, at 14:17 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- **Mass**: 1,430 kilograms.
- **Operator**: Canadian Space Agency.
- **Manufacturer**: MDA Space and Bristol Aerospace.
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit.
- **Design Life**: 7 years.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 (B1051.2).
- **Instruments**: Equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR).
- **Part of**: RADARSAT Constellation Mission, alongside RCM 1 and RCM 3.
- **COMPAR ID**: 2019-033B.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of RCM 2?
A: RCM 2 is an Earth observation satellite designed to monitor Earth's surface using synthetic aperture radar (SAR). It supports applications such as maritime surveillance, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.

### Q: When was RCM 2 launched?
A: RCM 2 was launched on June 12, 2019, at 14:17 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.

### Q: Who operates RCM 2?
A: The Canadian Space Agency operates RCM 2.

### Q: What is the design life of RCM 2?
A: The design life of RCM 2 is 7 years.

### Q: What instruments does RCM 2 carry?
A: RCM 2 carries a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instrument for Earth observation.

## Why It Matters
RCM 2 plays a crucial role in Canada's Earth observation capabilities, providing high-resolution imagery and data for various applications. Its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology allows it to monitor Earth's surface regardless of weather conditions or daylight, making it invaluable for maritime surveillance, disaster response, and environmental monitoring. By being part of the RADARSAT Constellation, RCM 2 enhances Canada's ability to track changes in the environment, manage natural resources, and support national security. The satellite's data is used by government agencies, researchers, and international partners to make informed decisions about climate change, agriculture, and emergency response.

## Notable For
- **Part of the RADARSAT Constellation**: RCM 2 is one of three satellites in the RADARSAT Constellation Mission, enhancing Canada's Earth observation capabilities.
- **Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)**: Equipped with advanced SAR technology, allowing it to capture high-resolution images regardless of weather or lighting conditions.
- **Maritime Surveillance**: Supports maritime surveillance, helping to monitor ship traffic and detect illegal activities.
- **Disaster Management**: Provides critical data for disaster response and management, including flood and wildfire monitoring.
- **Environmental Monitoring**: Contributes to environmental monitoring, including tracking changes in ice cover, forest health, and agricultural land use.

## Body
### Overview
RCM 2 is a Canadian Earth observation satellite launched as part of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission. It is designed to provide high-resolution imagery and data for various applications, including maritime surveillance, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.

### Launch and Orbit
- **Launch Date**: June 12, 2019, at 14:17 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 (B1051.2).
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 1,430 kilograms.
- **Design Life**: 7 years.
- **Instruments**: Synthetic aperture radar (SAR).
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array.

### Operators and Manufacturers
- **Operator**: Canadian Space Agency.
- **Manufacturers**: MDA Space and Bristol Aerospace.

### Mission and Applications
RCM 2's primary mission is to monitor Earth's surface using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology. This allows it to capture high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions or daylight, making it invaluable for various applications:
- **Maritime Surveillance**: Monitoring ship traffic and detecting illegal activities.
- **Disaster Management**: Providing critical data for disaster response and management, including flood and wildfire monitoring.
- **Environmental Monitoring**: Tracking changes in ice cover, forest health, and agricultural land use.

### Relationship to Other Satellites
RCM 2 is part of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission, which includes RCM 1 and RCM 3. These satellites work together to enhance Canada's Earth observation capabilities, providing comprehensive coverage and data for various applications.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "RCM 2",
  "description": "Canadian Earth observation satellite and part of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission.",
  "url": "https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/radarsat-constellation.htm",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367"],
  "additionalType": "Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellite"
}

## References

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