CASE STUDY RADARSAT-2 ESA Copernicus Contributing Mission
Global Monitoring
The Copernicus program, formerly known as the Global
Monitoring for Environment and Security program, was established
to assist policy makers and public authorities in managing
the environment, alleviating the effects of climate change and
ensuring civil security by providing these users with critical and
timely information collected through systematic monitoring of the
Earth’s subsystems.
The program consists of a complex group of connected systems
that use image data collected from upwards of 30 satellites,
ground sensors, and sea-based sensors to provide users with a
broad range of environmental and security data from around
the world. MDA Geospatial Services is supplying data from
RADARSAT-2, the world’s most sophisticated commercial C-band
radar satellite, to the Copernicus program.
The Copernicus program enables users to obtain relevant
information for the preparation of environmental policies and
legislation, monitor program implementation, and assess positive
or negative impacts over time. It is also a prime source of
information for decision makers in times of crisis or need, such
as natural, humanitarian, or man made events that dictate rapid,
effective action.
Copernicus is an initiative of the European Union, coordinated
and managed by the European Commission, and supported
by public funding from across the European Union, including
intergovernmental agencies and member states, and draws
technical support from research and development programs
and the European Space Agency. Because of this funding model,
Copernicus information and services are deemed public goods,
and accessible by business, government, non-governmental
organizations, and citizens.
RADARSAT-2 Contribution
MDA Geospatial Services is contributing to the Copernicus
program through the provision of multi-polarized RADARSAT-2
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensor data and derived services.
RADARSAT-2, built and operated by MDA, is the world’s most
advanced C-Band commercial SAR satellite orbiting the Earth
today. RADARSAT-2 collects global geospatial imagery through
cloud cover and darkness, with more than 50 imaging modes,
multiple polarimetric options and massive data collection
capacity, making it one of the world’s leading data sources for
global monitoring oceans, sea states, wind patterns, and sea ice
conditions. RADARSAT-2 beam modes provide programmers with
flexible acquisitions over small or large areas.
MDA’s RADARSAT-2 is a contributing mission entity to Copernicus
for a range of applications. RADARSAT-2 data provides daily
coverage of the Baltic and Eurarctic regions, delivered in nearreal time to Copernicus user communities to support sea ice
monitoring applications. Kongsberg Satellite Services of Tromsø,
Norway provides data reception and processing services,
delivering more than 600 products since September 2009, at a
greater than 98% success rate on near-real time delivery.
www.mdacorporation.com
RADARSAT-2 provides regional sea ice monitoring for users in Europe, and
around the world.
Rapid Emergency Mapping
A distinct advantage of RADARSAT-2 is its ability to collect image
data 24 hours each day, through all atmospheric conditions.
Coupled with a wide range of beam modes and image resolutions
and huge on-board data storage capacity, the satellite has been
proven to be one of the world’s most effective providers of
imagery for emergency response planning and execution during
disasters.
Copernicus has called upon MDA and RADARSAT-2 numerous
times to acquire and deliver imagery via the Emergency Rapid
Mapping agreement, using Very High Resolution (VHR) and High
Resolution (HR) SAR, using Quadpol, Ultrafine, and Fine beam
modes. In addition, archive products were delivered to help
planners map and understand events around the world.
Sample single day coverage over the Baltic region using the RADARSAT-2
SCANSAR Narrow Mode.
The Future
The RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) represents a major
enhancement of Canada’s RADARSAT capability. RCM will be
the third installment in the RADARSAT program, consisting of a
three-satellite constellation designed specifically as a follow-on
to the RADARSAT-2 program to provide operational C-Band SAR
data continuity with enhancements, a wide range of imaging from
1-metre resolution to 500 kilometre swaths, and multi-polarization
capabilities.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
For over four decades MDA has worked around the world to
provide advanced information solutions that leverage cost-effective
technologies to enable more efficient business operations for its
customers.
For more information, please contact:
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.
13800 Commerce Parkway
Richmond, British Columbia, Canada V6V 2J3
[email protected] | telephone +1 604-278-3411
This document contains information and images that are proprietary to MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.
(“MDA”), to its subsidiaries, and/or to third parties to which MDA may have legal obligations to protect such information
or images from unauthorized disclosure, use or duplication. Any disclosure, use or duplication of this document or of any
of the information or images contained herein is expressly prohibited.
The statements contained herein are based on good faith assumptions and provided for general information purposes
only. These statements do not constitute an offer, promise, warranty or guarantee of performance. The products depicted
are subject to change, and are not necessarily production representative. Actual results may vary depending on certain
events or conditions. This document should not be used or relied upon for any purpose other than that intended by MDA.
COPYRIGHT © 2015 MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., subject to General Acknowledgements for the third parties
whose images have been used in permissible forms.
All rights reserved. © MDA – All Rights Reserved.
www.mdacorporation.com
10800-4.4R2
RADARSAT-2 flood extent monitoring in Bangladesh.