The RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) is a 2018 space launch mission by the Government of Canada that will consist of a three-spacecraft fleet of Earth observation satellites. With satellites smaller than RADARSAT-2, the RCM will provide new applications—made possible through the constellation approach—as well as continuing to provide C-band radar data to RADARSAT-2 users. Improvements include more frequent area coverage of Canada and reduced risk of a service interruption. The launch of the three satellites that will form the constellation is scheduled for 2018.
On July 30, 2013, SpaceX announced that it was awarded a launch reservation contract with MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. to launch the three satellites that make up the RCM on a Falcon 9 rocket in 2018.
Government and commercial applications broadly include:
Specific examples:
The prime contractor on the project is MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates.