Scheduled for launch in 2004, Radarsat-2 will be the most advanced commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite in the world. Providing data continuity to Radarsat-1 users, it will strengthen Canada's leadership role in the design, deployment and operation of SAR technology and serves as a milestone in the continuing trend to privatize the Earth Observation business in Canada.

Representing a significant evolution from Radarsat-1, the design of Radarsat-2 will be the first commercial SAR satellite to offer multi-polarization – an important tool increasingly used to identify a wide variety of surface features and targets.

The satellite will carry a C-band remote sensing radar with a ground resolution ranging from a mere 3 to 100 meters. Swath widths may be selected in a range from 20 to 500 kilometers.

Radarsat-1 compatible beam modes are also available ensuring data continuity for existing users. Other key features of Radarsat-2 include the ability to select all beam modes in both left and right looking modes, high downlink power, secure data and telemetry, solid-state recorders, on-board GPS receiver and the use of a high-precision attitude control system.