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RADARSAT-2 is an earth observation satellite developed as a joint-venture between the Government of Canada (Canadian Space Agency) and Vancouver-based MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.  The satellite was launched on December 14, 2007 by a Russian Soyuz rocket and follows a polar orbit at an altitude of 800-km, crossing the north and south Polar Regions every 100 minutes.

RADARSAT-2
Image Credit: Canadian Space Agency

Equipped with sophisticated cloud-penetrating radar, RADARSAT-2 has a resolution of three-meters, enabling accurate identification methods.  To that end, the Department of National Defence created Project Polar Epsilon as means to utilize imagery obtained from RADARSAT-2 to enhance its surveillance capabilities over the Canadian Arctic, including monitoring foreign vessels within the waters of the Northwest Passage.  The $60 million initiative came into operation in the summer of 2008.

RADARSAT-2 also provides sea ice monitoring for environmental observation, research and developing marine mapping.  The satellite is commercially viable and a primary factor in its development.