Canada announces $688M contract for RADARSAT replenishment satellite

MONTREAL — The federal government has announced a $688-million contract for a new replenishment satellite to support the country’s constellation of Earth-observing satellites.

Canadian Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said today that Toronto-based MDA Space Ltd. will build and launch the satellite as part of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission.

Canada’s RADARSAT program involves a constellation of three satellites that can scan 90 per cent of the world’s surface up to four times a day.

Joly told a news conference in the Montreal area the investment will help support Arctic security, guide operations on the ground, and help Canadian officials respond quickly to emergencies.