Press Release

RADARSAT-2 Mission Reaches Critical Milestone

By SpaceRef Editor
June 10, 2002
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The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. of Richmond, British
Columbia announced today that the RADARSAT-2 program has reached a key
milestone in its development after undergoing a Mission Critical Design Review
(MCDR).

“With the approval of the Mission Critical Design Review, the joint
program has reached another major milestone in Canada’s commitment to a
vigorous knowledge-based economy,” said Marc Garneau, President of the
Canadian Space Agency. “As manufacturing of this next-generation Synthetic
Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite continues, the Canadian Space Agency is
positioning Canada as a leader in Earth Observation.”

The Mission Critical Design Review held recently at MDA headquarters in
Richmond, B.C. is the culmination of the design work performed on all RADARSAT-
2 components. Over the past few months RADARSAT-2’s Bus, Payload and Ground
Segment went through a number of Critical Design Reviews, marking a point in
the process where the design is approved and manufacturing can be completed.
The MCDR has also confirmed that all of these components can be integrated.

RADARSAT-2 is Canada’s next-generation radar satellite. MDA is the
mission prime contractor and, in partnership with the Canadian Space Agency,
will develop, build, integrate and launch the satellite. When RADARSAT-2
becomes operational MDA will own and operate the satellite and the ground
segment.

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SpaceRef staff editor.